Cavitation characterization using wide band signals in an acoustic active sensing system

International audienceThe paper presents a different approach based on an active acoustic system for the characterization of a vortex generating cavitation phenomenon. In the present work, the experiment was carried out in a reduced scale facility. The flow rate of the hydraulic system was varied and, when the flow became stable, the acoustic active system was started. The system is based on two ultrasonic transceivers which are placed in a "V" configuration. The main objective is to highlight the vortex presence influence on the acoustic sensing system using wide band signals. The Recurrence Plot Analysis (RPA) is used in order to highlight the vortex spectral signature, information which is not available when analyzing directly the acquired signal. The tests were done step by step, from no vortex flow to vortex flow