Experimental and numerical investigation of non-uniform inflow on cavitation characteristics of reactor coolant pumps.

• Emphasize the effect of non-uniform inflow on the cavitation performance of RCPs. • Analyze the influence mechanisms of non-uniform inflow on cavitation characteristics. • Illustrate and analyze the evolution of cavitation under non-uniform inflow conditions. This study discusses the effect of non-uniform inflow on the cavitation characteristics of the reactor coolant pump (RCP). Using a combination of experimental study and numerical simulation, these phenomena was analyzed. According to numerical studies, cavitation begins at the leading edge of the suction side of the blade and spreads downstream. As the inflow pressure decreases, cavitation also occurs on the pressure side of the blades. However, the behavior of cavitation in RCP with non-uniform intake is distinct. The distribution of vapor within the impeller has shifted considerably. Analysis reveals that the velocity field fluctuates intricately. On one hand, the velocity direction dictates the value of the angle of attack, which is associated with the inception of cavitation. Alternatively, the velocity magnitude impacts the size of the vapor region. Moreover, the change in head during the cavitation process is dependent on the pressure difference between the impeller blades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]