THE PRESSURE AND VELOCITY DEPENDENCE OF FLOW-TYPE CAVITATION EROSION

Previous results on the influence of water pressure and velocity on fl ow-type cavitation erosion, i.e. an increase in erosion rate with incr easing velocity and peaking of erosion rate as a function of pressure, were confirmed by measurements with a rotating-disc test rig. Owing t o the importance of exercising control over the cavitation geometry in hydraulic equipment, the effect of pressure and velocity on the posit ion and shape of the cavitation erosion zone was systematically studie d. The observed geometry of the erosion zone, as well as the wear rate behaviour, was explained in terms of the change in the cavitation-ind ucing pressure gradient with pressure and velocity.