Numerical investigation of unsteady leading edge cavitation in a double-suction centrifugal pump

This paper aims to analyze the leading edge cavitation of a double-suction centrifugal pump, focusing on its periodic evolution process and unsteady characteristics. The calculation of external characteristics and the simulation of the leading edge cavitation in the double-suction centrifugal pump were performed based on the turbulent viscosity correction model. The cavitation was studied under three working conditions (0.5, 0.9, and 1.2 times the design flow rate). The position and structural characteristics of the leading edge cavitation were identified. The instability phenomenon and vortex motion in the impeller passage caused by cavitation were analyzed. The results indicate the inlet flow of the impeller and the pressure distribution on the blade surface are the primary factors influencing the characteristics of the leading edge cavitation. The inlet flow of the impeller determines the position of the leading edge cavitation, while the pressure distribution on the blade surface dictates the specific shape and structure of the cavitation. Throughout the development cycle of cavitation, the position of the flow instability region within the impeller shifts from the off-flow area of the leading edge to the tail of the cavitation region.