Purpose: The aim of the work is to present the results of own investigations concerning the
geometric optimisation of constructional elements working in the environment of cavitation
wear together with a computer numerical analysis. The engineering material used for
constructional elements working in the environment of cavitation wear is steel, commonly
used for pressure devices working at elevated temperatures, P265GH, acc. to PN-EN
10028:2010.
Design/methodology/approach: SOLID EDGE ST 7 software, for synchronous designing,
was used for the parametrisation of the shape, distribution, configuration and size of
openings in constructional elements. Five models, with a different spacing and number of
openings, were proposed for the optimisation of internal geometry of the cavitation generator
and for the investigations; the models were then subjected to a numerical analysis using
specialised software, ANSYS FLUENT v.16, employed for modelling the effects associated
with fluid mechanics (Computational Fluid Dynamics - CFD). The data was implemented
for this purpose in the software used, such as: density, yield point, tensile strength, heat
conductivity coefficient for steel P265GH, material surface roughness, medium (water) flow
rate, constant pressure loss of medium, pressure of steam saturation in a medium; and such
data was called boundary conditions.
Findings: The authors’ principal accomplishment is the optimisation of the shape, the
selection of the most appropriate geometry of a constructional element generating the
maximum number of cavity implosions in the environment of a flowing medium (water), with
the use of computer tools dedicated to engineering design: a 3D and numerical computer
analysis of fluid mechanics, CFD. Moreover, an attempt was made in this work to develop
a methodology for characterisation of the phenomena accompanying the environment of
cavitation wear.
Practical implications: A possibility of examining the phenomena and a process of wear
of a constructional element made of P265GH grade steel for pressure devices working at
elevated temperatures. The demonstration and presentation of potential places, areas and
sizes of erosion existing on constructional elements working in the environment of cavitation
wear.
Analysis of the Geometry of the Dents Formed on the Ship Propellers Blades Surface in Cavitation Wear
