In the present study a numerical model of 3D cavitating
flows is proposed. It is applied to investigate the behavior of a
spatial turbopump inducer in noncavitating and cavitating
conditions. Experimental and numerical results concerning inducer
characteristics and performance breakdown are compared at
different flow conditions. The cavitation development and the
spatial distribution of vapor structures within the inducer are
also analyzed. The results show the ability of the code to
simulate the quasi-steady cavitating behavior of such a complex
geometry. Discrepancies concerning the breakdown prediction are
also discussed