The Impact of Manifold-to-Orifice Turning Angle on Sharp-Edge Orifice Flow Characteristics in Both Cavitation and Noncavitation Turbulent Flow Regimes

Abstract

The approach taken was to analyze the results in a manner consistent with application by design engineers to new and existing applications, while providing some insight into the processes that are occurring. This paper deals with predicting the initiation of cavitation, cavitation impacts on the contraction coefficient (Cc), as well as noncavitation impacts on discharge coefficient (Cd) from L/D of five sharp-edge orifices over a turning angle range between 60 deg and 120 deg. The results show that in the cavitation regime, Cc is controlled by the cavitation parameter (Kcav), where the data follow the 1∕2 power with Kcav, and inception of cavitation occurs at a Kcav of 1.8. In the noncavitation regime for conditions where the cross velocity is 0 the data are consistent with the first order equation relating head loss (HL) to the dynamic pressure where KL is constant and is consistent with in-line orifices. Cross flow has a significant impact on loss coefficient and depends on both the turning angle and manifold inlet to orifice exit velocity ratio.