Method of calculation of a turbulent flow in an axial gap with a variable radius between a rotating disk and an axisymmetric casing

Abstract

An integral method for calculation of a turbulent flow in an axial gap between a rotating disk and an axisymmetric casing is developed with account for the small flow through the gap, the variation of the gap width over the radius, and the interaction with outer flows. Limitations of the mathematical models used by most researchers and ways of surmounting them are revealed. The method is confirmed by a comparison with known experimental data. The obtained computational integral parameters were used repeatedly to improve economy and reliability of industrial pumps, turbines, and compressors.