Numerical analysis of flow inside a waterjet

Abstract

The paper presents a numerical method for analysis of flow inside waterjets. The method is based on modelling the waterjet intake, channel and outlet by a discrete distribution of sources and modelling the impeller, guide vanes and other lifting elements by a lifting surface comprising discrete distribution of vortices and sources/sinks. The method is intended to predict flow streamlines and velocity distribution, pressure distribution, hydrodynamic forces and presence of cavitation on elements of a waterjet of a given geometry and prescribed operational parameters. Numerical results are compared with the data acquired during a specially arranged series of experiments with a waterjet model installed on top of a cavitation tunnel.