Design method of transparent water lens of model turbine taper pipe based on intelligent optimization algorithm

In order to solve the problems of observing cavitation during the testing process of model turbine, a design method of transparent water lens of model turbine taper pipe was proposed and the computer-aided design software was researched and developed. The dimension of water lens was obtained by the design method, with the least known quantity of model turbine, which is based on Fermat´s principle and the improved genetic algorithm. At the same time, the field test condition was also considered. Design efficiency and accuracy were improved by the software which was developed by program languages of Visual Basic and Matlab. Working strength was reduced by the water lens which had the advantages of simple structure, low cost and practicality. It is suitable to be applied and popularized in field test.