Experimental investigations of radial loads induced by partial cavitation with the LH2 Vulcain inducer
Abstract
Radial forces generated by partial cavitation were investigated both in water and liquid hydrogen (LH2) with the four bladed inducer of the Vulcain liquid hydrogen turbopump. A specific shaft mounted six component balance was developed for inducer water tests, in which force measurements were completed by unsteady pressure measurements and high speed flow visualizations. From water results, a good qualitative agreement with previous experiences was obtained but the influence of blade number was demonstrated. Characteristic frequencies of unsteady cavitation phenomena were identified at different operating points. The force measurements in hydrogen gave promising results about thermodynamics delay, in the scope of establishing transposition rules.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992STIN...9318094G
- Keywords:
-
- Cavitation Flow;
- Force Distribution;
- Pressure Measurement;
- Radial Flow;
- Turbine Pumps;
- Flow Visualization;
- Liquid Hydrogen;
- Measuring Instruments;
- Thermodynamics;
- Water;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer