Effects of surface roughness on self-excited cavitating water jet intensity in the organ-pipe nozzle: Numerical simulations and experimental results

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate effects of surface roughness on self-excited cavitating water jet intensity in an organ-pipe nozzle. Roughness average (Ra) values are 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.3, 12.5, and 25 [Formula: see text]m, respectively. Numerical simulation results indicate that at inlet pressure of 10 MPa, the maximum, minimum, and real-time pressures in the self-excited oscillation chamber reach their respective peak values. The turbulent kinetic energy intensity in the external flow region is also most intense at this point, the vapor volume fraction in orifice is the highest, the vortex distribution scope in the orifice is the largest under [Formula: see text], and the self-excited cavitating water jet intensity is the strongest. The opposite variations emerge at [Formula: see text] compared to those of [Formula: see text], where the intensity is weakest. Pressure varies only slightly as Ra varies from 0.8 [Formula: see text]m to 6.3 [Formula: see text]m. Turbulent kinetic energy intensity behaves similarly as Ra increases from 0.8 [Formula: see text]m to 3.2 [Formula: see text]m. At [Formula: see text], it was weaker than at Ra = 0.8–3.2 [Formula: see text]m. Similarly, there are only slight differences in vapor volume fraction and vortex distribution scope with Ra from 0.8 [Formula: see text]m to 6.3 [Formula: see text]m. The intensities at Ra = 0.8–3.2 [Formula: see text]m are similar, and weaker at Ra = 6.3 [Formula: see text]m. Pressure values are maximal at inlet pressure of 20 MPa, turbulent kinetic energy intensity is most intense, vapor volume fraction is highest, vortex distribution scope is largest under [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]m, and intensity is strongest. Distinctions among pressure, turbulent kinetic energy intensity, vapor volume fraction, and vortex distribution scope values with Ra from 0.8 [Formula: see text]m to 3.2 [Formula: see text]m are slight. Differences in the corresponding intensities are also slight; all decrease with Ra from 12.5 [Formula: see text]m to 25 [Formula: see text]m as the intensity gradually weakens. Numerical simulation results were validated by comparison against corresponding experimental phenomena.