Investigation of Cavitation Damage Levels on Spillways

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents a classification of cavitation damage levels on spillway surface. Two important factors influencing cavitation damage have been considered in this study, flow velocity and cavitation index. Based on these factors, five different damage levels from no cavitation damage to major cavitation damage have been determined. The method was applied to data of the Shahid Abbaspour dam spillway in Iran. Results showes that based on both factors, the major damage occurs at ending areas of the chute; however, the cavitation index factor gives better predictions of cavitation damage levels and locations compared with the observed damage.