Effect of blade length on unsteady cavitation characteristics of hydrodynamic torque converter

Hydrodynamic torque converters (HTC), as power transmission component for high-power machinery, achieve flexible and energy saving transmission by circulating viscous oil through multi-stage impellers, involving cavitation at high flow speeds. To achieve cavitation suppression and performance enhancement, this study analyzed the mechanism of HTC blade length on cavitation effects. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of cavitation in the internal flow field of HTCs with different blade length were established, a hydraulic performance and flow-induced vibration test system was set up, and experimental prototypes with different blade lengths were designed and manufactured. The macroscopic and microscopic transient cavitation characteristics of different blade length were studied. The results show that shortening the length of pump and turbine blades has a significant suppression effect on cavitation. Due to changes in the impeller outlet flow field and circulation flow, the cavitation attachment range has changed significantly. Additionally, the significant impact of blade length on the flow-induced vibration influent the evolution characteristics of transient cavitation. Shorter blades reduce the amplitude of pressure oscillations, improving the attachment stability of cavitation. This study has important implications for improving the performance of HTCs and reducing the occurrence of cavitation.