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

  • Investigation of the damage potential due to cavitation
  • closed loop with pressurisation in the tank
  • visually accessible test section
  • modular design for easy replacement of the hydrofoils
  • 24/7 automation

methods

  • High-Speed-Imaging of the cavitation dynamics
  • Deep-Learning algorithm for analysing sheet lengths and cloud sizes
  • Frequency analysis of pressure signals
  • Particle Image Velocimetry for flow characterisation
  • Examination of the damaged surface using Pit-Count microscopy
  • Mass removal measurements

specifications

  • Volumetric flow rates up to 200 m³/h
  • max. velocity in the test section: 30 m/s
  • max. system pressure: 10 bar
  • Measurement of the oxygen content up to 25 ppm (DO)
  • Temperature control via secondary cooling circuit
  • High-frequency piezo pressure sensors (> 215 kHz)
  • Control, adjustment and synchronised measurement data recording via cDAQ system

all test rigs