Cavitation Effect Prediction in Pumps Using the Rayleigh Plesset Bubble Dynamics Algorithm

Abstract

Cavitation is a serious phenomenon in fluid machinery, especially centrifugal pumps, where vapor bubbles generated followed by the collapse of those vapor bubbles results in adverse operational impacts and damage to the pump itself. Accurately predicting the impact of cavitation is important in improving pump design, pumping efficiency, and reliability of operational performance. This article develops a computational technique for cavitation impact predictions using the Rayleigh–Plesset bubble dynamics algorithm that mathematically describes the behaviour of a single spherical vapor bubble in a liquid under varying pressure fields.This work combines the Rayleigh–Plesset equation with real-time pressure and velocity profiles in order to model transient bubble behavior; this combination enables accurate predictions of cavitation onset, development and collapse behavior. The framework developed was validated against experimental data and benchmark computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations indicating excellent agreement in predicting cavitation zones and intensity.The algorithm also offers some insight into the effect of flow velocity, pressure gradient and fluid properties affecting the severity of cavitation. This capability enables a more proactive approach to optimizing pump design and mitigating cavitation. The results confirm that the algorithm is capable, robust, and able to represent real-world pump systems, which must frequently involve dynamic operating conditions.