Effect of Entrained Air on Cavitation Damage

Abstract

When water flows at high velocity over a surface, quite small boundary irregularities may trigger cavitation which can, in turn, cause extensive damage. Concrete surfaces downstream from high head outlet gates are particularly vulnerable to cavitation damage.Operating experience and previous experimental work suggest that cavitation damage can be greatly reduced and, in some cases, eliminated by entrained air in the water.Experiments were carried out with a special high head test facility in Vancouver to obtain additional data on the effect of air entrainment. These tests confirmed its effectiveness. In this paper, previous evidence is reviewed, the experiments are described, and the results presented. Finally suggestions are made about the design of hydraulic structures which involve high velocity flow.