Cavitation and structural analysis on a flanged diffuser applied to hydrokinetic turbines

Flanged diffuser can improve hydrokinetic turbine efficiency. However, in the current literature it is still not clear if flange allows possibility of cavitation on its structure, and whether support high pressure variation. This work presents a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study effect flanged diffuser. The water flow through was evaluated using Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes approach coupled to Rayleigh-Plesset model estimate vapor production rate. methodology applied results were compared with experimental data from literature. minimal depth avoid found. field obtained CFD as loading structural analysis Finite Element Method. numerical presented good agreement available showed that occurs more intensely at 1.0 m for model. intensity gradually decreases increases. Cavitation be present diffusers, especially region inside shroud, where directly impact rotor. A safety factor analysis.