Critical State Calculation of Saddle-Shaped Unstable Region of the Axial-Flow Pump Based on Bifurcation SST k–ω Model

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the critical state of the saddle-shaped unstable region of the axial-flow pump and propose a suitable criterion for identifying this state. The bifurcation SST k–ω model considered the rotation effect is used in the present work and verified in the numerical calculation of a water jet pump. Then, it is used to simulate the critical state of the axial-flow pump. Results show that the leading-edge separation vortex generates at 0.6Qd, while the head declines only at 0.55Qd. Therefore, using the inflection point of the head-flow curve as the critical state criterion is unsuitable. In addition, the fixed monitoring point is unsuitable for identifying the critical state due to the insensitivity to the amplitude, main frequency, and periodicity changes at the critical state. Finally, to identify the critical state, it is essential to arrange a monitoring point at the leading edge of the blade suction near the shroud, which should rotate with the impeller. The critical state criterion is that the main frequency position of the pressure fluctuation signal is offset at the monitoring point, and the amplitude is increased by 10 times.