Cavitation erosion tunnel

Cavitation bubble or cloud collapses occurring in the vicinity of the wall can lead to cavitation erosion. The cavitation erosion channel is used to investigate mass erosion due to cavitation on buoyancy bodies. The test rig reaches velocities of up to 30 m/s in the test section, which is necessary to generate mass loss. Cavitation occurrence is investigated by means of high-speed visualisation. The material is investigated by means of a microscope and a special accuracy weighing machine.

description

  • closed-circuit with pressurisation in the tank
  • 25/7 automation to generate mass removal due to cavitation
  • modular design for easy replacing of buoyancy bodies

methods

  • high-speed measurements of cavitation phenomena
  • laser Doppler velocimetry and particle image velocimetry to characterise the inflow
  • frequency analysis of pressure signals
  • microscopic examination of the damages surface by means of pit-count microscope system

specifications

  • volumetric flow rate up to 200 m³/h
  • max. velocity in the test section 30 m/s
  • pressurising up to 15 bar
  • oxygen content measurements up to 25 ppm (DO)

all test rigs