Submit

Login Login

Register Register

Home / Journals / FDMP / Online First / doi:10.32604/fdmp.2026.086616
Journal Menu
Special Issues
Table of Content

All issues

Online First

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

Open Access

ARTICLE

Numerical Investigation of Cavitation-Induced Flow Dynamics and Pressure Fluctuations in a Pump-Turbine

Chao Liu1, Jianwu He2,*
1 School of Intelligent Manufacturing and Vehicle Engineering, Guang’an Vocational & Technical College, Guang’an, China
2 School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Guizhou University of Engineering Science, Bijie, China
* Corresponding Author: Jianwu He. Email: email

Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing https://doi.org/10.32604/fdmp.2026.086616

Received 07 June 2026; Accepted 04 September 2026; Published online 17 September 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of the cavitation coefficient on the internal flow field and pressure fluctuation characteristics of a pump-turbine using numerical simulations validated against experimental measurements. The validated model is then used to analyze hydraulic performance and cavitation-induced flow behavior over a range of cavitation conditions. The results show that cavitation first develops on the suction side of the runner blades near the outlet and progressively reduces hydraulic efficiency as it intensifies. The flow field within the runner is primarily governed by rotor-stator interactions between the runner and guide vanes, resulting in pronounced fluctuations of the flow variables. As the cavitation coefficient decreases, the vapor volume fraction increases, the flow becomes increasingly unstable, and pressure fluctuations at the blade-passing frequency (BPF) in the vaneless region become more pronounced. Under severe cavitation conditions, secondary backflow develops along the outer side of the elbow, while the amplitude of low-frequency pressure fluctuations associated with vortical structures in the draft tube increases significantly, compromising the operational stability of the unit.

Keywords

Pump-turbine; high head; cavitation flow; pressure fluctuation; numerical simulation

  • 80

    View

  • 21

    Download

  • 0

    Like

Related articles
Copyright© 2026 Tech Science Press
© 1997-2026 TSP (Henderson, USA) unless otherwise stated

Share Link