Effect of fluid flow on cavitation erosion of materials under exposure to vibrations from a hydrodynamic generator

The results of investigation of cavitation erosion of lead in various places of a hydrodynamic-generator submerged jet are presented. Features of erosion caused by the effect of flow are established. It can both strengthen the erosion intensity and weaken it in dependence on the angle of incidence. The stratification of air bubbles under the action of pressure waves is possible in the flow under the interaction with the surface of objects. The flow can change the number of air bubbles participating in the cavitation near the surface. It can also influence the mechanical effect on the surface of the tested materials inducing their nonuniform deformation. All the factors listed affect the cavitation erosion complicating considerably the physics of the process.