Investigation of Cavitation-Induced Flow Instabilities: An Integrated Experimental/Numerical Approach

University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract CTS-0080323 Roger Arndt, University of Minnesota Cavitation is a ubiquitous problem in hydraulic machinary. It often serves as the limiting condition for the operation of pumps, turbines, and propellars/propulsors. An enhanced understanding of the causes, their relationship to the lifting surface geometrics, and how to minimize the adverse effects of cavitation would be of great benefit to these aspects of hydraulic engineering. The PI will address these issues using the advanced experimental techniques which are available in his laboratory. He will identify the distinction acoustic emission features of the cloud and the bubble cavitation regimes using coordinated and conditionally-sampled-photography. Further experiments using the designated hydrofoil will involve identification of the periodic motions within the wake and the associated bubble characteristics.