Unsteady behaviour and plane blade angle configurations' effects on pressure fluctuations and internal flow analysis in axial flow pumps

Abstract

Pumps play a crucial role in various applications, and this study employs the CFD method to simulate the internal flow of an axial pump. Utilizing a three-dimensional model with real clearances, our investigation focuses on the pump's internal flow and pressure pulsation under diverse operating conditions. Specifically, we operated an axial pump at varying blade angles (30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°) to determine transient flow fields, aiming to identify both qualitative and quantitative characteristics. In line with current research practices, we present a comparison between numerical calculations and experimental results, revealing reasonable agreement. The simulation results highlight the influence of flow rate and plane blade angle on key parameters such as static pressure, dynamic pressure, total pressure, velocity magnitude fluctuations, and shear stress. Notably, pressure increases near or at the blade tip, and hydraulic flow becomes more evident under different blade angles and conditions. The highest pressure and velocity are observed on the blade with a 45-degree plane angle. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing the hydraulic performance of axial pumps. To ascertain the model's accuracy and reliability, our research establishes a side-by-side comparison between numerical predictions and experimental data, demonstrating a satisfactory level of agreement. The CFD simulations yield critical insights into the pump's performance, emphasizing the profound sensitivity of parameters to variations in flow rate and blade angle, crucial for understanding and optimizing the pump's behavior.

Keywords

• Unsteady flow
• Fluid dynamics
• Blade angles
• Axial flow pump
• Velocity