Modélisation de la cavitation tridimensionnelle dans les pompes

The computation of 3D attached cavities on pump blades using a numerical iterative technique is presented. The cavity shape is obtained by imposing a fixed pressure value on the corresponding stream-surface, as boundary condition in a 3D flow calculation in the pump (S1/S2 or 3D EULER code). A criteria for the prediction of the characteristic drop due to cavitaton is proposed. Results obtained for several pump geometries are discussed (SHF-pump, ns 20 and 80 pumps and the LH2 inducer of the SEP VULCAIN motor).