Internal Flow Characteristics Research Articles

Experimental and simulation analyses of the hydraulic complex internal flow characteristics in an axial pump based on varying frequency vibration ranges technique

Experimental and simulation analyses of the hydraulic complex internal flow characteristics in an axial pump based on varying frequency vibration ranges technique

Effect of variation of temperature on the internal flow characteristics of a strut and cavity-based SCRAMJET combustor

Effect of variation of temperature on the internal flow characteristics of a strut and cavity-based SCRAMJET combustor

Experimental study on pulsed suction under different momentum coefficients in variable compressor cascade with annular gaps

Variable Stator Vanes (VSVs) with penny cavities are crucial in the compressors of variable cycle engines, where complex interactions between annular and radial gaps can adversely affect aerodynamic performance. Unsteady active flow control techniques have significant potential for reducing secondary flow losses in compressors. This research investigates the internal flow characteristics of a variable compressor cascade with penny cavities using low-speed wind tunnel experiments and flow visualization techniques. This study is the first to experimentally explore the relationship between loss reduction and momentum coefficient using pulsed suction (PS) compared to steady continuous suction (SCS), evaluating the effects of various excitation frequencies. The findings show that at a momentum coefficient of 0.11 and an excitation frequency of 100 Hz, PS achieves optimal aerodynamic performance, reducing total pressure losses by 11.59 %, marking a 92.59 % improvement over SCS. As the momentum coefficient increases, the effectiveness of PS control significantly improves, whereas the changes in SCS effectiveness are less pronounced. The control effects of PS under varying excitation frequencies are complex and influenced by multiple factors. At higher momentum coefficients, the loss reduction effectiveness of PS is strongly correlated with excitation frequency, while at lower coefficients, performance changes due to frequency variations are minimal. This study provides valuable guidance for the design of modern multistage variable compressors.

Numerical Study on the Design of an Anti-Backflow Injector for Combustion Chambers

The backflow of high-temperature products in an engine’s combustion chamber is a key issue which can significantly reduce combustion efficiency. This is particularly problematic for hypergolic propellants, as the high-temperature products may still contain fuel or an oxidizer. If either the fuel or the oxidizer backflows into the manifold of the other, it can easily lead to micro-explosions, thereby creating a threat. To address this problem, this paper proposes a new design of an anti-backflow injector, aimed at effectively preventing the backflow of combustion products to the propellant manifold. A steady-state, non-reactive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model is employed to evaluate the steady internal flow characteristics of the proposed anti-backflow injector. Additionally, a complementary transient, multiphase fluid dynamics simulation is carried out to assess the response characteristics of the anti-backflow injector. Our analysis focuses on the response characteristics of the concave valve core. The study also explores the impact of different expansion port angles on the injection effect, finding that the vortex diameter at the injector outlet is positively related to the expansion port angle. It is also shown that the injection angle becomes more stable as the expansion angle increases. When the expansion port angles are 10° and 20°, the injection angles show similar trends. In terms of anti-backflow effect, taking the injection stiffness of 150% and a time range of 300 µs as examples, the response time of the anti-backflow models with expansion ports of 10°, 15°, and 20° is increased by 67 µs, 99 µs, and 213 µs, respectively, compared to the base models with the same expansion angles. Meanwhile, when the injection stiffness is 50%, the response time of the anti-backflow models with expansion ports of 10°, 15°, and 20° is increased by 207 µs, 210 µs, and 207 µs, respectively. When the injection stiffness is 20%, the response recovery speed of the anti-backflow models with expansion ports of 10° and 15° is increased by 41 µs and 96 µs, respectively. However, the performance of the anti-backflow model with a 20° expansion port is 216 µs of the base model. The optimized design of the anti-backflow injector has potential applications in solving the propellant backflow problem and contributes to the advancement of combustors.

Analysis of unsteady internal flow characteristics in axial pump with varying number of blades using computational modelling and vibration techniques

Axial pumps were extensively applied in many varying applications because of their large flow and low head. In this research investigation, the comparative analysis of the findings unveiled that the predominant source of hydraulic-induced vibration in the pump stemmed from pressure pulsations at the impeller inlet. Notably, similar patterns in amplitude were observed as flow rates increased. Furthermore, time-domain analysis confirmed that pressure pulsations and vibrations are highly correlated under high flow rates. Pressure pulsation's Frequency-domain analysis also revealed that it was a multiple of shaft frequency and changed from one multiple to three multiples of vibration. While analyzing the flow rate characteristics pertaining to pressure pulsation and vibration, it was determined that pressure pulsations at the impeller inlet had the potential to generate frequency components across a broad spectrum, encompassing both low and high flow rates, as well as their respective multiples. This phenomenon was particularly pronounced in regions characterized by unstable and high flow rates. Vibration ingredients likely influenced by pressure pulsation at the impeller inlet could be as low as design flow rates and as high as high flow rates. A vibration frequency with a multiple did not seem to be influenced by pulsating pressure at the impeller entrance. The present study focuses on investigation of flow behaviors in an axial pump with varying numbers of blades. It is an important geometric parameter that significantly affects the pump's performance. Therefore, the dynamic flow patterns in a pump, considering changed flow and impeller blade configurations, are investigated by employing the sliding mesh technique in combination with SST (k-ω) turbulence model. The numerical results exhibit a commendable alignment with the existing experimental data, enhancing the predictive accuracy of pump performance. Qualitative analyses encompass static pressure, shear stress, and various velocity components. Concurrently, quantitative investigations delve into pressure fluctuations and average pressure across a spectrum of operating conditions and impeller blade configurations. These comprehensive findings underscore the substantial influence of the impeller blade on pressure, velocity magnitudes radial, axial, tangential shear stress, average pressure within the system.

Study on the Influence of Working Characteristics of Centripetal Pump Based on VOF/Mixture Model

Aviation fuel contamination can seriously affect aircraft flight safety, and the centripetal pump is the core component of aviation fuel purification equipment. The performance of centripetal pumps is highly demanded for purification equipment. The operating parameters of centripetal pumps significantly affect the internal flow characteristics, which affects the performance of centripetal pumps. However, the flow characteristics of a centripetal pump influenced by the operating parameters have not yet been elaborated upon. In this research, a three-dimensional numerical simulation of the air-fuel two-phase flow field inside a centripetal pump was carried out using the VOF/Mixture model to investigate the effects of three relatively independent physical quantities, namely, fuel flow, outlet fuel discharge pressure, and rotational speed, on the operating characteristics of the centripetal pump. The flow law inside the flow channel of a centripetal pump was analyzed based on a rotating fluid pressure model, the free liquid surface radius of air-fuel, and the total pressure recovery coefficient. It was found that centripetal pumps have a steady working state and an unsteady working state. In a steady working state, the proportion of separated zones in the flow channel of the centripetal pump is small, the flow coefficient C of the flow channel is greater than 1, and the total pressure recovery coefficient of the centripetal pump is high. In an unsteady working state, the separation zone in the flow channel of the centripetal pump accounts for a large proportion, the flow channel flow coefficient C is less than 1, and the total pressure recovery coefficient of the centripetal pump is low. An unsteady working state can easily occur in small flow, high-speed conditions. By analyzing the working state and flow characteristics of the centripetal pump, the mechanism of the influence of the flow, outlet fuel discharge pressure, and rotational speed on the working state of the centripetal pump is revealed, which provides a basis for the stable operation of the centripetal pump.

Research on Internal Flow and Pressure Fluctuation Characteristics of Centrifugal Pumps as Turbines with Different Blade Wrap Angles

The use of pumps as turbines has been gaining more and more attention in recent years. The present work mainly investigates the influence of blade wrap angle on the internal flow and pressure fluctuation characteristics of centrifugal pumps as turbines. Five different wrap angles (35°,45°, 55°, 65°, and 75°) for a forward-curved impeller were numerically analyzed under multiple operating conditions. The accuracy of numerical simulation was validated by experimental results. The results show that maximum efficiency is achieved with a blade wrap angle of 35°, and the highest efficiency flow point gradually decreases as the blade wrap angle increases. It is found by conducting entropy production theory analysis that the high-entropy production rate regions in PATs are concentrated in the volute tongue and impeller blade inlet regions, and that the entropy production rate at the impeller inlet region increases and then decreases as the blade wrap angle decreases. In addition, pressure pulsation was affected not only by dynamic and static interference but also by an irregular vortex around the impeller; its magnitude under Qt is higher than 0.8Qt for blade wrap angles of 55° and 75°. The primary frequency of pressure pulsation within the impeller is the axial frequency fn and its multiples, and the frequency with the largest amplitude is 3fn. The periodicity of vortices is closely related to the periodicity of pressure pulsation. And it is suggested that a PAT with a 35° blade wrap angle is advantageous for improving the stability of a turbine.

Optimization Design and Internal Flow Characteristics Analysis Based on Latin Hypercube Sampling Method

Optimization Design and Internal Flow Characteristics Analysis Based on Latin Hypercube Sampling Method

Internal flow characteristics of radial rotating oscillating heat pipe filled with acetone or water

The study investigates the internal flow dynamics of radial rotating oscillating heat pipes (RaRo-OHPs) to assess their potential applications in rotations. It examines influences of heat flux and centrifugal acceleration on thermal conditions and internal flow in RaRo-OHPs. Results show that both Bo and Fr rise significantly with increased centrifugal acceleration and heat flux, emphasizing radial rotation's impact on internal flow. With increment of heat flux and centrifugal acceleration, flow pattern analysis reveals shifts from slug/annular flow to churn flow/separation of vapor-liquid phases; motion modes progress from pendulum oscillation to circulation, then oscillation or single/double-side boiling. Visualizations underscore the importance of maintaining vapor slugs and liquid plugs for effective circulation flow and heat transfer. It is noted that under radial rotation, slug flow and the circulation of chains of vapor slugs and liquid plugs were still observed, achieving Bo of 8.26 for acetone and 5.10 for water as the working fluid. Compared with the static state, radial rotation can promote the internal flow, the velocity increases by 228% and 185% for RaRo-OHPs filled with acetone and water, respectively. The study emphasizes the capillary effect's role in enhancing internal flow under radial rotations, crucial for improving thermal performance.

Analysis of the temporal, spatial, and frequency law of the internal flow in a prototype vaned mixed‐flow pump

AbstractMixed‐flow pump is a typical pump using in low‐head cases of water lifting. The flow field pulsation is usually an important issue in the operation of mixed‐flow pumps and their pumping statins. Due to its large size, it is difficult to monitor the internal flow characteristics well, based on computational fluid dynamics, we use 5678 monitoring points which arranged in the impeller and fixed vane with using the high pulsation tracking network, and the pressure pulsation signals are analyzed by fast Fourier transform and variable mode decomposition to decompose the main frequency and intensity of the pressure pulsation signals, then analyze the energy dissipation with the entropy production rate (EPR). It is found that there are strong low‐frequency (0.416, 0.625, and 1.67 Hz) pressure pulsation near hub, and the pressure pulsation on the shroud is stronger than that on the hub (at least three times or more); there are strong and stable pressure pulsation (25 Hz) on the shroud generated by the rotor–stator interference (RSI); and the EPR in the flow field can be well combined with the signal. Reasonably allocating material strength and controlling the number of vanes and impellers to avoid producing a common multiple can avoid pressure pulsation caused by RSI and reduce energy dissipation. Therefore, it is very effective in improving the efficiency of this part. Under low flow conditions, the siphon outflow passage can predict the high‐frequency (45.833 Hz) attenuation area well through the phase signal decomposition of the signal, which has certain significance for improving its stability and efficiency.

Numerical investigation of flow and heat transfer characteristics of special-shaped fuel

Helical cruciform fuel, a relatively new type of fuel element, has garnered significant interest due to its distinctive attributes, such as transverse mixing characteristics and self-supporting properties. However, helical cruciform fuel still faces numerous challenges. To address the issue of high central temperatures, an annular helical cruciform fuel is introduced, and its internal flow and heat transfer characteristics are evaluated through numerical simulation in comparison to helical cruciform fuel. The results indicate that fuel elements with a helical structure exhibit lower maximum temperatures and higher convective heat transfer coefficients. Specifically, the maximum temperature of helical cruciform fuel at a power density of 200 WM/m3 is 712.26 K, whereas for annular helical cruciform fuel under the same heat generation rate, the maximum temperature is only 686.34 K. Regarding convective heat transfer, the annular helical cruciform fuel element demonstrates an improvement of approximately 20% compared to the helical cruciform fuel element. Consequently, annular helical cruciform fuel contributes more to the safety of the reactor core and the miniaturization of nuclear power devices. This study could serve as a reference for the subsequent design and enhancement of reactor cores.

Effect of the Volume Concentration of Binary Mixed Particles on the Flow and Wear Characteristics of Centrifugal Pumps

Solid–liquid two-phase centrifugal pumps are important fluid transport components in production and life. Most of the studies about the influence of solid-phase parameters on fluid transport mostly focus on single-component solid particles. In this work, two kinds of glass beads with particle sizes of 2 mm and 0.4 mm were used to study the effect of the binary mixed particle volume concentration on the internal flow and wear characteristics of a centrifugal pump. The flow distribution of the binary mixed particles in a centrifugal pump and the interactions between the particles and flow components at different volume concentrations (Cv = 5%, Cv = 7.5%, Cv = 10%, Cv = 12.5%, Cv = 15%) were studied using a Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM). The research results show that with the increase in particle volume concentration, the head and efficiency of the pump decrease. Additionally, the distributions of the particles with different concentrations in the impeller flow passage were obtained. Moreover, the coupling force of the flow field acting on the particles decreases with the increase in particle concentration and the time it takes to convey small particles decreases with the increase in concentration, while that of large particles decreases first and then increases. Furthermore, the contact force between the particles and the blade changes periodically with time, and the wear of the centrifugal pump is mainly concentrated on the pressure surface of the blade and the wall of the volute outlet side; the wear rate increases as the particle concentration increases.

The Influence of Different Working Fluid Temperatures on the Hydraulic Performance of Magnetic Vortex Pumps

Magnetic vortex pumps are characterized by their high performance and zero leakage, and in recent years, they have been applied for the transportation of antifreeze coolant in varying-temperature environments. This paper combines Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with experimental verification to study the external and internal flow characteristics of magnetic vortex pumps when transporting working fluid at different temperatures, considering radial clearance flow. The results indicate that as the temperature of the medium increases, both the pump head and efficiency improve. Specifically, under the design flow rate condition, the pump head increases by 16.7% when transporting a medium at 90 °C compared to ambient-temperature conditions. Conversely, the pump head is only 16.8% of that observed under ambient-temperature conditions when transporting a medium at −30 °C. Analysis of the internal flow field reveals that the changes in pump hydraulic performance at different working fluid temperatures are primarily due to variations in the vorticity of the internal flow field.

A cavitation performance prediction method for pumps PART3 feasible for axial-flow reactor coolant pump

This study introduces a novel method to enhance the prediction of cavitation performance in axial flow reactor coolant pumps. Utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the paper examines the internal flow characteristics and establishes a relationship between minimum pressure, low-pressure isosurface area, and net positive suction head (NPSH). A key finding is that the pressure isosurface area ratio to blade area (Rs) is crucial for cavitation prediction. The study’s method was validated under design conditions with an initial cavitation prediction hypothesis. It was determined that at a flow rate of 0.2912 m3/s and a rotational speed of 1485r/min, the pump’s critical cavitaion performance NPSHc is 4.52 m, with a corresponding low-pressure isosurface pressure of 57117.6 Pa. The current low-pressure isosurface area is 0.00581849 m2, and the blade area is 0.13452 m2, yielding an Rs of 4.325 %. The study reveals a linear relationship between the pressure isosurface area and NPSHa when NPSHa is below a certain threshold, suggesting that this area can predict cavitation performance. This method is significant for optimizing the design and cavitation performance of axial flow reactor coolant pumps.

The influence of water vapor on the internal flow characteristics within a hydrogen circulation pump

The influence of water vapor on the internal flow characteristics within a hydrogen circulation pump

Impact of rotor–stator axial spacing on the gas–liquid–solid flow characteristics of a multiphase rotodynamic pump based on the Euler multi-fluid model

Multiphase rotodynamic pumps are used by the oil and gas industry to transport mixed media in pipelines. The characteristics of gas–liquid–solid flow in such pumps are significantly affected by the rotor–stator axial spacing so that further investigation is required. Based on the Euler multi-fluid model, the Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations were conducted in this study on the gas–liquid–solid multiphase rotodynamic pump at the rotor–stator axial spacings of 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 mm, respectively. Changes in the pump's characteristics of external, multiphase flow, and pressure fluctuation were systematically analyzed by using ANSYS-CFX. The results showed that, an overall decreasing trend for the efficiency and head of the multiphase rotodynamic pump were demonstrated with increases in the rotor–stator axial spacing from 8 to 16 mm, which can be categorized into plummets I, moderation, and plummets II. As the rotor–stator axial spacing increased, the pressurization decreased from the inlet to outlet of guide vane while the aggregation of gas and solid increased. Additionally, vorticity increased and vortex structure was found to be more significant. As a result, the overall performance of the multiphase rotodynamic pump deteriorated. The pressure fluctuation in the multiphase rotodynamic pump was determined by the rotor–stator interaction and multiphase flow under gas–liquid–solid flow conditions, resulting in a non-positive correlation between the pressure fluctuation and the pump's external and internal flow characteristics. The location of maximum pressure fluctuation in the multiphase rotodynamic pump was changed from the impeller outlet to the guide vane inlet with increases in rotor–stator axial spacing.

Numerical Investigation of Impeller Parameters on the Performance and Internal Flow Characteristics in Regenerative Flow Pumps

Abstract As a particular vane pump, regenerative flow pump (RFP) is not only featured by relatively high head under low flow rate, but also is characterized by compact volume and simple structure. However, the efficiency of RFP is quite low. For the purpose of improving RFP’s hydraulic performance and internal flow, this paper investigates the influence of the matching relation between impeller diameter and height on RFP’s performance. Two cases through changing impeller’s diameter and height are designed and compared. The results show that, as impeller’s diameter increases while keeping the blade’s radial length constant, RFP’s head and efficiency are improved, and the best efficiency point (BEP) shifts gradually from lower flow rate to larger flow rate. Additionally, the ratio of the flow rates at BEP is approximately equal to the ratio of the blade’s middle diameters. On the other hand, as impeller’s height increases, the BEPs among different pump models stay in same flow rate, and there is always an optimal impeller’s height for this RFP model to achieve optimal performance. Finally, the pressure distribution, velocity distribution and mass exchange of different models are analysed to reveal the differences.

Numerical Investigation on internal flow characteristics of a mixed-flow pump with Tandem malposed blades

Abstract Mixed-flow pump plays an important role in national major projects and national economic construction. In this paper, a mixed-flow pump is taken as the research object, and the internal flow characteristics and the distribution of turbulent kinetic energy in the pump under different malposed angles of blade are studied by using numerical simulation and blade modification method. The results show that the pump efficiency and head are higher when the tandem blade angles (α) are 15° and 45°, and the pump head is the largest at the α =15°, increasing by 4.37%. Meanwhile, the high-pressure area inside the impeller was large, which had a higher pressurization performance. Under the rated flow condition, the velocity curve of α =15° changes most gently, which is close to the prototype velocity curve, and the single hump zone is not obvious. The tandem malposed blades can restrain the velocity fluctuation and improve the flow field in the impeller. At α =45°, the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation and the velocity fluctuation were the smallest; the flow field was the most stable. The research results have reference significance for the optimal design and selection of mixed flow pump.

Numerical analysis of the transient characteristics of internal flow in the acceleration process of variable speed regulation of a centrifugal pump

Abstract In this study, a method of combining Flowmaster and ANSYS CFX software was adopted. Based on the consistency between the numerical calculation results of the hydraulic performance of a centrifugal pump and the test results, an operating model of a centrifugal pump system is established, variation law of the external characteristic parameters in the transient process is obtained, and different acceleration times and modes are set. The change law of the transient external characteristics and the evolution mechanism of the internal flow field during the variable speed regulation and acceleration of the centrifugal pump are disclosed. By introducing a control system evaluation index, the effects of acceleration time and mode on performance and internal flow field of variable speed control process of the centrifugal pump are analysed in detail. The results show that the turbulent kinetic energy in the pump changes violently, and the high turbulent kinetic energy and high vorticity are widely distributed, which has an obvious transient effect. An exponential acceleration method can effectively reduce the peak value and overshoot of external characteristic parameters while reducing the speed regulation time.

Research on internal flow characteristics of the planar conical tube for valveless piezoelectric micropump

Abstract As the most commonly used driving and executing components in microfluidic systems, valveless piezoelectric micropumps have broad application prospects in numerous fields. The steady and unsteady characteristics of planar conical tubes for valveless piezoelectric micropumps were simulated using CFX software at different pressure amplitudes and driving frequencies. The aim was to obtain the factors affecting the flow performance of the valveless piezoelectric micropump. The results show that the numbers of Remax in both diffusion and contraction directions of the planar conical tube increase with increasing pressure. When the number of Wo is lower, the number of Remax under a steady state is approximately equal to that under an unsteady state, and the maximum relative deviation is only 0.25%. The greater the Wo number, the smaller the velocity on the minimum flow section, and the more significant the velocity change. The rectification efficiency η of the valveless piezoelectric micropump and the efficiency λ of the planar conical tube both increase with increasing pressure under steady conditions, and the maximum values can be reached at 11.2% and 1.56, respectively.