Abstract: Using software CFX with SST κ-ω model and Rayleigh-Plesset cavitation model, the numerical simulation of 3-D steady flow with water liquid and water vapour two phases in whole flow passage of hydraulic loader was conducted. The influences of different parameters (inlet flow rate, rotational speed and blade angle) on cavitation of hydraulic loader were studied. The results show that, under small flow rate, large blade angle (≥60°) and low speed (≤3 000 r/min), cavitation is light. At different working conditions, where cavitation appears in radial direction of position is the same. The cavitation mainly distributes where the r/R is 0.4 to 0.8 and severe cavitation distributes where the r/R is 0.6~0.7. The results of numerical simulation are consistent with the actual failure of hydraulic loader. So the cavitation damage is a main reason for the failure of hydraulic loader.

Key words: hydraulic loader, two-phase flow, cavitation, numerical simulation, failure analysis