Study on the effect of an inducer on the cavitation characteristics of low-specific-speed onboard cooling pumps

This study examines the impact of an inducer on the cavitation behavior of low-specific-speed onboard cooling pumps, utilizing numerical simulations and experimental validation. The optimal angle between the inducer and impeller is explored. The results show that pressurization and preswirl from the inducer reduce low-pressure and low-velocity zones at the impeller inlet, and decrease vortex size and intensity near the outlet.

When operating at rated and high-flow rates, the inducer boosts cavitation resistance and curtails bubble formation within the impeller. However, as impeller speed increases to 12,500 r/min, severe cavitation forms within the inducer, weakening its suppressive effect and worsening cavitation in the impeller. The circumferential offset angle θ formed by rotating the inducer affects both pump performance and cavitation resistance.

At θ = 120°, the inducer shows the greatest cavitation suppression effect. These findings provide engineering insights into cavitation resistance for low-specific-speed onboard cooling pumps at high speeds. The research was supported by various grants and affiliations are disclosed. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.