Numerical evaluation of three-D cavitation turbulent flow in centrifugal pumps

Based on RNG k-e turbulence model and SIMPLEC algorithm and by using the model of three-dimensional full cavitation turbulent flow of mixed fluid developed by Singhal and others,the numerical simulation of steady and unsteady cavititation turbulent flows in the whole flow passage of a centrifugal pump was conducted.According to the simulation results of the cavitation flow,the NPSH-H curves were obtained for the steady and unsteady circumstances.Compared to the experimental results,the prediction results could be a true reflection of the internal cavitation flow performance of the pump,so that the region and degree of cavitation occurred in the flow passage of the impeller could be further predicted.The effect of the NPSH gradient on the cavitation performance of the centrifugal pump was analyzed.The results showed that the adopted cavitation model and the simulation calculation method could be used to predict the performance of the centrifugal pump in the design condition.