Numerical simulation of the flow in a Pelton bucket

The flow of water in a single Pelton bucket is investigated by numerical flow analysis. In a first approach the flow calculation is simplified assuming steady flow at a fixed but variable position of the jet relative to the bucket. A volume fraction is introduced for each finite element to approximate the position of the free surface. The advection of the free surface is calculated by solving an additional transport equation to the usual set of Navier-Stokes equations. The definition of the calculation domain and the treatment of the boundary conditions especially for the jet and the bucket surface are described. The analysis process is illustrated. The simulated flow and the corresponding pressure distribution on the bucket surface are presented and discussed.