Numerical and experimental study of vortex structure and energy loss in a novel self-priming pump

Hao Chang, Ramesh K. Agarwal, Wei Li, Ling Zhou, Weidong Shi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Since the conventional numerical approaches cannot explicitly confirm the location and type of the vortex structure, therefore this paper employs the vorticity transport equation to systematically analyze the type, magnitude and location of vortices for different blade thickness distributions in a novel self-priming pump. Also, the entropy production theory is applied to investigate the energy loss in the pump. Based on the analysis, it is found that the entropy generated by the separation of turbulent boundary layer at the trailing edge of the blade is a major factor leading to hydraulic loss. The separation of the boundary layer can not only cause the energy loss, but also generates the trailing edge vortex to block the passage of the impeller and reduces the expelling coefficient of the blade. It is found that the hydraulic performance of the blades with increase in thickness distribution of the blade from leading edge to trailing edge is better than that of the blades with decrease in thickness distribution. The flow rate also has influence on the vortex structure and entropy production. Finally, the optimal blade shape is obtained, and experimental test of its hydraulic performance is performed to benchmark the simulation results. This research can provide guidelines for designing the optimal thickness distribution for the blades for design operating conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA Scitech 2020 Forum
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624105951
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020
EventAIAA Scitech Forum, 2020 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jan 6 2020Jan 10 2020

Publication series

NameAIAA Scitech 2020 Forum
Volume1 PartF

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Scitech Forum, 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period01/6/2001/10/20

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