Fluid-structure interaction and transient cavitation tests in a T-piece pipe

A physical model featuring the combined phenomena of fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and vaporous cavitation is presented. The model is a closed, water-filled, T-shaped, laboratory pipe system, where the T-junction and the three closed ends are potential locations for strong FSI coupling and/or column separation. The system is suspended horizontally on long steel wires and is excited through external impact. The impact force and the static pressure of the liquid control the severity of the cavitation phenomenon.