Cavitation in Hydraulic Structures: Problems Created by Cavitation Phenomena

The damage from cavitation, which has been an increasing problem with the increasing size of hydraulic structures, often results from neglect in the design of these structures. Such design and construction errors as misalinement of conduits and boundary roughness, as well as shortcomings in the design of gate slots, transition sections, and stilling basins have necessitated repairs to many hydraulic structures. Damage from simultaneous spillway and sluice flow has been experienced. Higher heads and increased speed of filling and emptying of navigation locks has lead to damage to these structures also. Corrective measures in the form of repairs have been used on all of these damages. The time to eliminate or at least minimize the danger from cavitation phenomena is in the design stage of the project.