Application of modified k-ω model to predicting cavitating flow in centrifugal pump

Considering the compressibility of the cavity in the cavitating flow, this paper presents a modified k-ω model for predicting the cavitating flow in a centrifugal pump, in which the modified k-ω model and Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model were combined with ANSYS CFX. To evaluate the modified and standard k-co models, numerical simulations were performed with these two models, respectively, and the calculation results were compared with the experimental data. Numerical simulations were executed with three different values of the flow coefficient, and the simulation results of the modified k-ω model showed agreement with most of the experimental data. The cavitating flow in the centrifugal pump obtained by the modified k-ω model at the design flow coefficient of 0.102, was analyzed. When the cavitation number decreases, the cavity initially generates on the suction side of the blade near the leading edge and then expands to the outlet of the impeller, and the decrease of the total pressure coefficient mainly occurs upstream of the impeller passage, while the downstream remains almost unaffected by the development of cavitation.

Induced noise of impeller stuck and passive rotation state in multi-stage pump without power drive under natural flow conditions

The natural flow cooling strategy is commonly employed in modern high-speed vessels and nuclear-powered submarines. These vessels rely on the energy generated by their own speed to drive the cooling system and supply cooling water to the condenser. The circulating pump, which operates without a motor drive under natural flow conditions, is a large resistance component in the cooling system. However, it is also the primary noise source, significantly impacting the vessel’s safe operation and acoustic stealth performance. This study investigates the induced noise characteristics of a multi-stage pump under natural flow conditions by experiment, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and acoustic finite element method. The analysis encompasses the distribution of the flow field, variations in acoustic power, spectral features of flow-induced noise, and directivity of external field radiation noise under different natural flow conditions. The results show that the acoustic power distribution is correlated with the flow field. When the impeller is stuck, the noise sources primarily concentrate in the flow separation area at the blade’s leading edge, the interface area between the impeller and the guide vane, and the flow shock area inside the guide vane. Conversely, when the impeller rotates passively, the blade wake area has a higher acoustic power. The flow noise spectrum under natural flow conditions mainly exhibits broadband and discrete characteristics. Additionally, the pump structure influences the external field radiation noise, and its directivity varies with different flow rates and characteristic frequencies. This study provides valuable insights into optimal design to reduce the noise of the circulating pump in the vessel’s natural flow cooling system. It is essential for ensuring the safe operation and acoustic stealth performance of high-speed vessels and nuclear-powered submarines.

Experimental study on effects of air injection on cavitation pressure pulsation and vibration in a centrifugal pump with inducer

Cavitation commonly induces performance deterioration and system vibration in many engineering applications.This paper aims to investigate the effects of air injection on cavitation evolution,pressure pulsation and vibration in a centrifugal pump with inducer.In this paper,the high-speed camera is used to capture the gas flow pattern and cavitation evolution process in the inducer.The impacts of air injection on the inlet pressure pulsation and vibration are also investigated.The results show that the cavitation development in the inducer undergoes four patterns:incipient cavitation,sheet cavitation,cloud cavitation and super cavitation.During the development of cavitation,the main frequency of the pressure pulsation shifts to lower frequencies,and the amplitude of the vibration increases.In addition,air injection promotes the incipient cavitation but delays the cavitation development.A small amount of air can effectively decrease amplitudes of pressure pulsation and vibration.But as the air content increases,the fluctuations and amplitudes of pressure pulsation and vibration increase.