Open AccessNumerical Simulation of Flow through a Centrifugal Impeller
Author(s) -
S Seralathan,
Mukesh Nadarajan,
Mujibur Rahman K,
Micha Premkumar T,
V Hariram
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of innovative technology and exploring engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2278-3075
DOI - 10.35940/ijitee.k2301.0981119
Subject(s) - impeller , slip factor , centrifugal compressor , mechanics , flow (mathematics) , suction , gas compressor , static pressure , wake , axial compressor , vortex , centrifugal pump , materials science , physics , mechanical engineering , engineering
The paper reports computational results of the flow through an impeller (backward curved) of a centrifugal compressor. 3D steady state investigations are performed at off-design and design mass flow rates. The static pressure as well as stagnation pressure distribution contours and velocity vector reveals the behavior of flow through the impeller at different flow coefficients. The flow pattern observed within the impeller passage is complex and influenced by several factors. Flow through the impeller is distorted due to presence of jet and wake. As flow happens through the impeller, energy is transferred from the impeller’s blades to the fluid. This creates the jet at pressure side region and wake at suction side region of the impeller. This fluid with different energy level gets mixed at the exit of the impeller causing mixing losses as well as secondary flows. These loss leads to a considerable fall in static pressure rise in the compressor and thereby affecting the overall efficiency of the centrifugal compressor. Also, existence of vortices in the flow field as flow turned from axial direction to radial is seen.