Experimental circuit for the generation of cavitation in oil flow

VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Hydromechanics and Hydraulic Equipment, 17. listopadu 15, 708 33 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic

^* Corresponding author: patrik.marcalik@vsb.cz

Published online: 24 October 2022

Abstract

The paper deals with the flow of oil through an experimental hydraulic circuit with a convergent divergent nozzle with a circular cross-section. Under different physical conditions, i.e. changes in pressure, flow and temperature, the formation and development of cavitation is monitored. As it is a highly dynamic flow in a transparent nozzle, cavitation is monitored using a high-speed camera and the frequency of formation and dissolution of the cavitation bubble and the movement of the cavitation cloud is then determined. The authors deal with the issue of the amount of dissolved or undissolved air in the hydraulic oil. Both variants of air influence the formation, development and size of the cavitation area. This cavitation is in this case called air cavitation. In technical practice, the issue of air cavitation is relevant, especially in the pump suction, where vacuum, leaks and hence air intake may occur.