Abstract
Turbulent cavitating flows in a mixed-flow waterjet pump were numerically investigated using the k-ω SST turbulence model and the mass transfer cavitation model based on the Rayleigh-Plesset equation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cavitation-vortex interaction mechanism. The predicted hydraulic performance, as well as the cavitation performance, exhibits a reasonable agreement with the experimental results. The vorticity distributions under three operation conditions were illustrated together. Based on the illustration, cavitation development enhances vorticity production and flow unsteadiness in a mixed-flow waterjet pump. Vortices are basically located at the cavity interface, particularly at the downstream interface, during cavitation. Further analyses using the relative vorticity transport equation in cavitating turbulent flows indicate that vortex dilation and baroclinic torque exhibit a steep jump as cavitation occurs. In addition, vortex stretching contributes mainly to large-scale vortex generation.
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Recommended by Associate Editor Shin Hyung Rhee
Xianwu Luo obtained his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China in 1991 and 1997, respectively, and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan, in 2004. He is currently an associate professor at the Department of Thermal Engineering, Tsinghua University, China.
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Huang, R., Ji, B., Luo, X. et al. Numerical investigation of cavitation-vortex interaction in a mixed-flow waterjet pump. J Mech Sci Technol 29, 3707–3716 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-015-0816-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-015-0816-4