Influence of Roughness on the Two-Phase Flow Structure of Sheet Cavitation

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to describe the two-phase flow structure of sheet cavitation. The experimental study is performed in a cavitation tunnel equipped with a Venturi-type test section. Data treatments based on the analysis of transit time histograms and local time fraction histograms have been used. The rate of vapor production required to sustain the cavities is estimated. Wall pressure measurements and visualization techniques are also used to perform momentum balance. The influences of the roughness and the geometry of the divergent part located beneath the cavity on the internal two-phase flow are investigated.