A Study on Aeration to Alleviate Cavitation Erosion in the Contraction Section of Pressure Flow

Abstract

Pressure flow generally exists in water conservancy projects and pipelines. The flow boundary of the contraction section faces a potential risk of cavitation erosion under high velocity. However, there is a lack of effective methods to suppress cavitation in engineering practices with pressure flow, posing a challenge to the operational safety of discharge structures and pipeline devices. The purpose of this paper was to realize the application of air entrainment in a plug-type contraction section of pressure flow. It was found that a single air vent and a low air flow rate could achieve complete vena contracta aeration. The pressure profiles of the vena contracta were investigated, and the results showed that the pressure distribution allowed the entrained air to diffuse laterally and convectively. Finally, we proposed a fitting algorithm to predict the air concentration in the vena contracta. These conclusions are of great significance for improving the safety and cavitation resistance of the contraction section of pressure flow.