An Experimental Study of Axial Flow Pump Cavitation

A qualitative study of the effects of cavitation on the performance of an axial flow pump was n1ade. Photographic evidence shows that cavitation need not occur first on the blade surface but could occur in the free stream. This phenomenon is ascribed to a flow through the tip clearance space. Cavitation similarity was found to be determined by the cavitation number K, Thoma's σ, or the suction specific speed S for the conditions of these tests.