The cavitating performance of a sub-scale configuration of the SSME low pressure fuel pump (LPFP) has been simulated at off-design flow conditions where a back-flow vortex is generated at the leading edge. The numerical simulations have been compared with measured experimental data both for velocity profiles upstream of the inducer as well dynamic pressure traces on the shroud at the leading edge. Velocity profiles in the back-flow vortex for flow rates down to 70 percent of design were quantified; the swirl velocity comparisons were good while the axial velocity profile were reasonable but slightly over predicted the core velocity. Dynamic cavitating performance was modeled at a moderate Nss number of 20000 for 90 percent of design flow coefficient where rotational cavitation modes are present The source of this instability resulted from the interaction of the cavity with the neighboring blade leading to the detachment of the cavity that rotates relative to the blade and generates an asymmetric cavity pattern. The asymmetrical cavities generate a large radial load on the shaft which rotates at the fundamental mode of the rotational cavitation. For the sub-scale configuration the radial force amplitude was 186 lb-f which gives a non-dimensional force factor of 0.0116. Spectral analyses of the dynamic pressure traces on the shroud, at the leading edge plane, were compared with experimental measurements. The fundamental rotational cavitation mode was observed to be 125 Hz which is approximately 1.29 N (rotational frequency is 96. Hz); both the frequency and relative amplitude compared well with the unsteady measurements. In addition to the fundamental rotation cavitation mode the data shows substantial energy with multiple peaks in the 5 -7.5 N range. This range was reasonably represented in the numerical results although the spectrum was not as rich. A helical pressure wave at the fundamental mode is found to propagate upstream and a potential for interaction with structural elements was identified.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/84299/1/CAV2009-final122.pd
