Prediction of Cavitation Erosion: An Energy Approach

The objective is to define a prediction and transposition model for cavitation erosion. Experiments were conducted to determine the energy spectrum associated with a leading edge cavitation. Two fundamental parameters have been measured on a symmetrical hydrofoil for a wide range of flow conditions: the volume of every transient vapor cavity and its respective rate of production. The generation process of transient vapor cavities is ruled by a Strouhal-like law related to the cavity size. The analysis of the vapor volume data demonstrated that vapor vortices can be assimilated to spherical cavities. Results are valid for both the steady and unsteady cavitation behaviors, this latter being peculiar besides due to the existence of distinct volumes produced at specific shedding rates. The fluid energy spectrum is formulated and related to the flow parameters. Comparison with the material deformation energy spectrum shows a remarkable proportionality relationship defined upon the collapse efficiency coefficient. The erosive power term, formerly suggested as the ground component of the prediction model, is derived taking into account the damaging threshold energy of the material. An erosive efficiency coefficient is introduced on this basis that allows to quantify the erosive potential of a cavitation situation for a given material. A formula for localization of erosion is proposed that completes the prediction model. Finally, a procedure is described for geometrical scale and flow velocity transpositions.