Abstract
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method has been used to investigate the axial force of automotive water pump. As the excessive axial force can make some unexpected problems like impeller interference and coolant leakage we have focused on finding the cause of axial force and its reduction in this paper. First, we have tested the closed type water pump with and without balance hole by the calculation methods. By examining the pressure contour around the impeller, we have found that the axial force arises not only from the pressure difference around shroud but also from the pressure difference around hub. So we have tested two impellers - one is normal open type impeller and the other is open type impeller with modified hub. The results show that the axial force reduction is about 150~200N for normal one and 700N@3000RPM for modified impeller. And the hydraulic efficiency which is important in aspect of engine fuel efficiency is reduced about 6.5% for normal one but increased 4%@3000RPM for modified impeller.
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