Study on Cavitation Flow Structure Evolution in the Hump Region of Water-Jet Pumps Under the Valley Condition

Abstract

During the hydraulic performance experiment, significant vibration and noise were observed in the mixed-flow pump operating in the hump region. Cavitation occurrence in the impeller flow channels was confirmed through the transparent chamber. To analyze cavitation flow structure evolution in the mixed-flow pump, this paper integrates numerical and experimental approaches, capturing cavitation flow structures under the valley condition through high-speed photography technology. During the various stages of cavitation development, the cavitation forms are mostly vortex cavitation, cloud cavitation, and perpendicular vortex cavitation. Impeller rotation induces downstream transport of shedding cloud cavitation shedding structures. Flow blockage occurs when cavitation vortexes obstruct specific passages, accelerating cavitation growth that culminates in head reduction through energy dissipation mechanisms. Vortex evolution analysis revealed enhanced density of small-scale vortex structures with stronger localized core intensity in the impeller and diffuser. Despite larger individual vortex scales, reduced core intensity persists throughout the full flow domain. Concurrently, velocity profile characteristics across flow rates and blade sections (spanwise from tip to root) indicate heightened predisposition to flow separation, recirculation zones, and low-velocity regions during off-design operation. This study provides scientific guidance for enhancing anti-cavitation performance in the hump region.

Keywords

• valley condition
• cavitation
• mixed-flow pump
• flow structure
• hump region