Practical Methodology Adapted in Ground Test Facility to Induce Cavitation in Turbopump

It was planned to induce cavitation phenomena in turbopump during ground testing so as to finalise the inlet parameters of this turbopump. A detailed study was carried out to meet the stringent requirement of conducting cavitation test at test facility where the turbopump being regularly tested. Facility tuning trials were carried out and during third tuning trial, the pressure and temperature conditions were achieved close to the requirement. After proving the ground test facility capability, cavitation test was conducted and cavitation was precisely demonstrated. Based on the test results, the inlet parameters of the selected pump shall be finalized with margin. Thus, the resources available within ground test facilities were effectively utilized/ managed to accomplish the task of inducing cavitation in turbopump.