Analysis on Cavitation Performance in Multi-stage Centrifugal Pump Based on Cavitation Model

In this paper, a cavitation analysis model for centrifugal pump was applied to simulate a three-dimensional turbulent flow inside a whole stage of a multistage centrifugal pump based on the Rayleigh-Plesset bubble equation. The 3-D turbulent flow field and vapor-liquid phase distribution in a multi-stage centrifugal pump were computed by solving the bubble equation coupled with two-phase turbulent governing equations. The process of bubble vaporization, growing and condensation were simulated and visualized. The cavitation model and simulation were validated by comparing numerical solutions with tested curve of net positive suction head required (NPSHr) for the pump.