Experimental Apparatus for the Study of Cavitation in a Venturi Tube
Experiments
Operation of the Venturi tube
Pressure distribution in the Venturi tube as a function of flow rate
Verification of Bernoulli's equation
Theory of cavitation inception
Determination of the cavitation inception point for various flow rate values
Distinction between dissolved-air release and true cavitation
Prevention of cavitation by increasing the upstream static pressure
Determination of the dependence of cavitation inception on fluid temperature
Description
The apparatus enables the investigation and visualisation of the cavitation phenomenon within a transparent Venturi tube, equipped with appropriate measurement and control systems. The flow rate
through the system may be adjusted by means of control valves and is measured using a rotameter. Three pressure gauges monitor the pressure distribution across the Venturi tube — at the inlet,
at the throat and at the outlet — allowing direct verification of Bernoulli's equation.
Venturi tube
Manometer
Manometer
Manometer
Thermometer
Rotameter
Pressure Regulator
Ball Valve
Valves for hot and cold water mixing
Schematic diagram of the FM331 apparatus
Specifications
Pressure measurement3 dial gauges, range -1…2 bar
Flow rate measurementrotameter up to 1000 l/h
Pressure regulation0.5…2 bar
Venturi tubetransparent, 3 pressure taps, each connected to a dial gauge
Inlet diameterø 18 mm
Contraction angle10.5°
Throat diameterø 3.5 mm
Outlet diameterø 18 mm
Enlargement angle4°
Temperature measurement0…60°C
Flow rate regulationball valves
Pipingcopper with quick-connect couplings for connection to the water supply network
