Numerical simulation of steady cavitating flow of viscous fluid in a Francis hydroturbine

Numerical technique was developed for simulation of cavitating flows through the flow passage of a hydraulic turbine. The technique is based on solution of steady 3D Navier—Stokes equations with a liquid phase transfer equation. The approch for setting boundary conditions meeting the requirements of cavitation testing standard was suggested. Four different models of evaporation and condensation were compared. Numerical simulations for turbines of different specific speed were compared with experiment.