PROBLEM 1Cavitation 20 Points Problem Statement At what pres

PROBLEM #1-Cavitation [20 Points] Problem Statement At what pressure in Pascals (abs) would cavitation be expected at the suction inlet of a pump handling water at 10°C? At 90°C? Thoroughly explain the phenomena of cavitation. Which fluid is more likely to cavitate, cold water or hot water?

Solution

Answer:

90 degree Celsius.

Cavitation occurs when the water pressure reaches or gets below the vapor pressure at the given temperature.

Vapor Pressure at 10 C = 9.2 Torr= 1.226 kPa, While vapor Pressure at 90 C = 525 Torr = 69.994 kPa

We know Atmospheric pressure has a value of about 101.3 kPa, so when the pressure goes below Patm, the first stage to be reached among the two options above is 69.994 kPa, and if further reduced, then will come the second low stage. So it is clear that the cavitation is likely to occur first at the 90 degree Celsius.

So it can be said that the hot water is more likely to produce the cavitation as compared to the cold water under the given pressure.