CAVITATION DEMONSTRATION

The apparatus consists of Venturi-shaped test section manufactured from clear acrylic to allow full visualization of flow conditions inside the section.The test section incorporates tappings that allow the static pressure upstream of the contraction, inside the throat and downstream of the expansion to be measured. Each tapping is connected to a Bourdon gauge of appropriate range.A flow control valve upstream of the test section allows the flow through the test section to be regulated without raising the static pressure in the test section, allowing Cavitation to be clearly demonstrated. Conversely a flow control valve downstream of the test section allows the static pressure in the test section to be elevated – a technique used to prevent cavitation from occurring.The closure of the downstream valve is restricted to prevent damage to the instrumentation. The test section and Bourdon gauges are mounted on a plate with feet.