The Hydrodynamic Cavitation Tunnel allows the study of the resistance of materials to cavitation erosion. It can generate cavitation in a controlled manner in a 70 × 70 mm test section, where specimens can be installed. During the tests, vibrations and acoustic emissions are recorded to develop systems for detecting and quantifying the aggressiveness of erosive cavitation. Additionally, the tested specimens can be observed under a microscope to measure erosion and quantify mass loss in cases of advanced erosion.
This infrastructure is part of the Barcelona Fluids & Energy Lab (IFLUIDS) research group at the Department of Fluid Mechanics at UPC, located at the Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona (ETSEIB). The group consists of academics and researchers working in areas related to fluids and energy, with extensive experience in hydraulic machinery.
The laboratory has expanded its research scope, incorporating renewable energy sources and more transversal projects. In addition to being active in research, it participates in projects funded by national and European funds and in technology transfer, establishing long-term partnerships with companies of various sizes.