Numerical simulation of leading edge cavitation within the whole flow passage of a centrifugal pump

In this paper, the periodically unsteady pressure field and head-drop phenomenon caused by leading edge cavitation have been investigated numerically by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in a single stage centrifugal pump. A CFD model for cavitation steady and unsteady simulation has been calculated using the k-ω SST turbulence model combining with a multiphase approach, based on a homogeneous model assumption. A truncated form of Rayleigh-Plesset equation is used as a source term for the inter-phase mass transfer. The CFD computational region includes the suction cone, impeller, side chambers and volute, as well as suction and pressure pipes. The results were compared with experimental data under non-cavitation and cavitation conditions and a good agreement was obtained for the global performance, the experimental data of the head and the efficiency are 34.04 m and 74.42% at BEP, respectively, the predicted head is 34.31 m and the predicted efficiency is 73.75%. The analysis of inner flow pattern shows that the vortex flow generation in the rear of cavity region is the main reason of the head-drop. Obvious increasing can be observed for the amplitude of the pressure fluctuation at the blade passing frequency with different cavitation situations, and subpeak can be found. Besides, the effects of unsteady flow in the side chambers cannot be neglected for accurately predicting the inner flow of the pump. These results imply that this numerical method is suitable for the cavitating flow in the pump.