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FLUID MECHANICS - CASE STUDY

    Introduction


Problem Graphic

 
A university physical plant recently added a pump to transfer water between tanks. Technician Mike hears some noise as the water flows through the pump inlet and wonders if cavitation is occuring inside the pump. The operating pressure of the pump at the inlet is 6 kPa. The water temperature is 50 oC.
   
  Questions

 

Determine if cavitation occurs in the pump (cavitation occurs at the pump impellers on the inlet side) for a water temperature of 50 oC. Will cavitation occur if the water temperature is 20 oC?

     
    Approach


 
  • Find the vapor pressure of water associated with each temperature and compare to the pressure in the pump.
     
   
 
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