The vapour pressure is the characteristic fluid property involved in ...
If pressure at a point in a flow field drops below the vapor pressure of the liquid, bubble formation will occur at the point. As these bubbles move ahead into high pressure zone, they burst creating turbulence. As a result pitting and corrosion occurs on the nearby solid surfaces.
View all questions of this test
The vapour pressure is the characteristic fluid property involved in ...
Understanding Cavitation and Vapour Pressure
Cavitation is a phenomenon that occurs in fluid systems, particularly in pumps and propellers, when the local pressure of the fluid drops below its vapour pressure. This leads to the formation of vapor-filled bubbles, which can cause significant damage when they collapse.
Role of Vapour Pressure in Cavitation
- Definition of Vapour Pressure: Vapour pressure is the pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid phase at a given temperature. It indicates the tendency of a liquid to evaporate.
- Cavitation Formation: In a fluid flow, if the pressure drops significantly due to factors like high velocity or obstruction, it may fall below the vapour pressure of the liquid. When this occurs, vapor bubbles form, leading to cavitation.
- Collapse of Bubbles: As these vapor bubbles move to higher pressure regions, they collapse violently. This collapse can create shock waves, resulting in pitting and erosion on surfaces like impeller blades and pipe walls.
Implications of Cavitation
- Damage to Equipment: Cavitation can severely damage pumps, turbines, and other hydraulic machinery, leading to costly repairs and downtime.
- Performance Issues: It can also result in reduced efficiency and performance of hydraulic systems, affecting overall operations.
Conclusion
In summary, vapour pressure plays a critical role in the phenomenon of cavitation. When the local pressure in a fluid falls below this threshold, vapor bubbles form and can lead to destructive consequences, making it essential to manage and monitor pressure levels in fluid systems.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Civil Engineering (CE) study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Civil Engineering (CE).