Influence of Tip Clearance on Cavitation Characteristics of an Inducer of Turbopump: CFD Study

The tip clearance, a compact gap between the inducer blade and casing wall, is critical to both liquid leakage cavitation-induced forces of turbopump. In this study, we numerically investigate effect clearance on cavitation characteristics an inducer. Six different clearances, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2 mm, namely Models A–F, were designed evaluate performance, cavity structure, loading, radial force, etc. Model D (1.0 mm) had relatively highest head coefficient smallest area each as compared all other models. pressure distribution loading further confirmed that can maintain higher better suppress onset than force signals in time frequency domains show has intermediate magnitude with slightly noises at rotating its harmonic frequencies. also smaller vortex region strength (λ2 criterion). short, results best alternative balance complex interactions bulk flow flow, compromising hydraulic cavitation.