Integrated topology optimization for vibration suppression in a vertical pump

Denghao Wu,Yunqing Gu,Yun Ren,Zhibing Zhu,Shuihua Zheng,Jiegang Mou

doi:10.1177/1687814019832689

Abstract

This article presents a new approach aiming to reducing pump vibration by modifying its baseplate structure. The finite element models of the vertical pump were established and validated by the experimental impact test. The natural frequencies of pump were mapped in both experimental and numerical methods. The weak stiffness of the baseplate was identified as the root cause for the pump vibration. A topology optimization was used for enhancing the stiffness of baseplate and controlling its weight. The new baseplate was designed according to the inputs from optimization results and manufactured by the casting method. Both the vibration tests and the numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the vibration behaviors of the optimized pump model. The differences of vibration characteristics between original and optimized pumps were evaluated using 1/3 octave-band filter technique. Results show that the vibration was suppressed, and the resonance at 31.5 Hz was eliminated using the optimized baseplate. In particular, the maximum vibration amplitude of the vertical pump was reduced from 4.05 to 1.75 mm/s at the low flow rate condition. It was experimentally confirmed that the vibration amplitude of the optimized model complies with the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization standard and ensures the pump can operate stable for a long time.

Highlights

The vertical pumps are widely applied for heating, ventilation, and air-condition (HVAC) system; water supply system; and ship system
It is further demonstrated that the stiffness of the baseplate has been greatly improved after optimization, which enhances the natural frequency of the pump unit correspondingly
It was found that the weak stiffness of baseplate was the root cause of pump vibration for a vertical pump

Summary

Introduction

The vertical pumps are widely applied for heating, ventilation, and air-condition (HVAC) system; water supply system; and ship system. In order to solve vibration problems of pump, it is often vital to attempt to understand the interaction of mechanical and hydraulic phenomena. The main mechanical inducers for pump vibration were summarized as rotor unbalance, misalignment of coupling or bearing, bent shaft, bad anti-friction bearing, mechanical looseness, poor foundation, and soft baseplate.[1] The vortex, rotor–stator interaction, rotating stall, and cavitation are the main hydraulic causes for pump vibration.[2,3,4,5,6] Basically, the forced vibration is one of the typical vibration modes that was distinguished in a pump

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion