Open AccessNumerical Simulation of Flow through Vaneless Diffuser
Author(s) -
Seralathan S*,
M Kannan,
Vinoth Kumar M,
Johnson Samuel S,
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.l3671.1081219
Subject(s) - diffuser (optics) , shroud , mechanics , impeller , centrifugal compressor , static pressure , radius , stagnation pressure , flow (mathematics) , materials science , jet (fluid) , backflow , total pressure , physics , structural engineering , engineering , optics , mechanical engineering , mach number , light source , computer security , computer science , inlet
Flow through vaneless diffuser in the centrifugal compressor stage is studied at varied flow conditions using finite volume method based commercial code, ANSYS CFX. The contour of static pressure, stagnation pressure, absolute velocity, as well as meridional velocity divulges the nature of flow that happens in the centrifugal compressor stage. Circumferential non-uniformity due “jet-wake” formation is seen at the impeller exit. These lead to mixing of fluid having varied energy levels which happens within the vaneless diffuser. Total pressure rises along the radius ratio and its distribution is higher near the shroud for all flow conditions. Absolute velocity reduces along radius ratio as area of the flow passage increase indicating diffusion. The meridional velocity is seen as non-uniform at Ф = 0.15 but, it is uniform at diffuser exit at Ф = 0.25.