An Experimental Study of Cavitation in a Mixed Flow Pump Impeller

Abstract

A mixed flow impeller design was tested with six, five, and four vanes in a closed water loop to study the effects of cavitation on hydraulic performance and the results were compared with the work of other investigators. Two idealized flow models for incipient cavitation were derived to illustrate limits of cavitation design. It was found that both vane blockage and solidity effects are important when designing for optimum cavitation performance. Data showing incidence and speed effects plus the tip static pressure profiles in cavitating and noncavitating flow are also presented.