Theoretical and Experimental Investigation on the Flow Induced Vibrations of a Centrifugal Pump

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friedrich-Karl Benra ◽  
Hans Josef Dohmen
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Transient Flow ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Computer Code ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Pump Operation ◽  
Pump Rotor ◽  
Wide Range

The transport of fluids which include a lot of impurities is often done by special single-stage pumps. In order to avoid clogging of the pumps, the impellers have only one blade. This minimum blade number brings strong disadvantages during the pump operation. The rotation of the impeller in the pump casing produces a strongly uneven pressure field along the perimeter of the casing. The resulting periodically unsteady flow forces affect the impeller and produce radial deflections of the pump shaft which can be recognized as vibrations at the bearing blocks or at the pump casing. These vibrations will also be transferred to the pump casing and attached pipes. In a numerical approach the hydrodynamic excitation forces of a single-blade pump were calculated from the time dependent flow field. The flow field is known from the numerical simulation of the three-dimensional, viscous, unsteady flow in the pump by using a commercial computer code determining the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations (URANS). The periodically unsteady flow forces were computed for a complete impeller revolution. This forces affect the rotor of the pump and stimulate it to oscillations. The computed forces were defined as external forces and applied as the load on the rotor for a structural analysis. The resulting oscillations of the rotor were calculated by a transient analysis of the rotors structure using a commercial FEM-Method. To verify the calculated results, experimental investigations have been performed. The deflections of the pump rotor were measured with proximity sensors in a wide range of pump operation. Measurements of the vibration accelerations at the pump casing showed the visible effects of the transient flow. To minimize the vibration amplitudes the energizing forces have been reduced by attaching a compensation mass at the impeller. This procedure can be used as “operational balancing” of the pump rotor for a certain point of operation.

Periodically Unsteady Flow in a Single-Blade Centrifugal Pump: Numerical and Experimental Results

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.-K. Benra ◽  
H. J. Dohmen ◽  
M. Sommer
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Centrifugal Pump ◽  
Sewage Water ◽  
Numerical Results ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Pump Operation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Operating Points

The composition of sewage water with partially large portions of fibers and solids requires a special pump design, in order to avoid operational disturbances by clogging. In most applications for sewage water transport, single-stage pumps with single-blade impellers are used. With this special impeller geometry largest flow channels can be realized. So fibers and solids up to an appropriate size can be transported by the pump. This minimum impeller blade number however brings disadvantages for pump operation. The development of a pressure and a suction surface of the blade gives an asymmetric pressure distribution at the perimeter of the rotor outlet and a periodically unsteady flow field arises. In a numerical approach the time accurate flow in a single-blade centrifugal pump has been calculated by solving the 3-dimensional time dependent Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations (URANS) in a wide range of pump operation. The investigation of the flow included all details between suction flange and pressure flange of the pump. The numerical results show a strong dependence from impeller position for all flow parameters. For the investigated operating points strong vortices have been obtained at particular impeller positions. Experimental results have been used to verify the numerical results of time dependent flow in the single-blade pump. The computed flow field has been compared to results which were obtained from optical measurements of flow velocities by Particle Image Velocimetry at different impeller positions. A very good qualitative agreement between measurements and calculations has been obtained for all investigated operating points.

Periodical Unsteady Flow Within a Rotor Blade Row of an Axial Compressor: Part II — Wake–Tip Clearance Vortex Interaction

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Mailach ◽  
Ingolf Lehmann ◽  
Konrad Vogeler
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Rotor Blade ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Lower Velocity ◽  
Blade Row ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Tip Clearance Vortex

In this two-part paper results of the periodical unsteady flow field within the third rotor blade row of the four-stage Dresden Low-Speed Research Compressor are presented. The main part of the experimental investigations was performed using Laser-Doppler-Anemometry. Results of the flow field at several spanwise positions between midspan and rotor blade tip will be discussed. In addition time-resolving pressure sensors at midspan of the rotor blades provide information about the unsteady profile pressure distribution. In part II of the paper the flow field in the rotor blade tip region will be discussed. The experimental results reveal a strong periodical interaction of the incoming stator wakes and the rotor blade tip clearance vortices. Consequently, in the rotor frame of reference the tip clearance vortices are periodical with the stator blade passing frequency. Due to the wakes the tip clearance vortices are separated into different segments. Along the mean vortex trajectory these parts can be characterised by alternating patches of higher and lower velocity and flow turning or subsequent counterrotating vortex pairs. These flow patterns move downstream along the tip clearance vortex path in time. As a result of the wake influence the orientation and extension of the tip clearance vortices as well as the flow blockage periodically vary in time.

Unsteady Flow Structure and Global Variables in a Centrifugal Pump

2006 ◽  
Vol 128 (5) ◽  
pp. 937-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
José González ◽  
Carlos Santolaria
Keyword(s):  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Centrifugal Pump ◽  
Flow Structure ◽  
Flow Model ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Local Flow ◽  
Global Variables ◽  
Wide Range

A relationship between the global variables and the dynamic flow structure numerically obtained for a low specific speed centrifugal pump is presented in this paper. A previously developed unsteady flow model is used to correlate the dynamic field with the flow characteristics inside the impeller and volute of a single-stage commercial pump. Actually, the viscous incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved within a 3D unsteady flow model. A sliding mesh technique is applied to take into account the impeller-volute interaction. After the numerical model has been successfully compared with the experimental data for the unsteady pressure fluctuations pattern in the volute shroud, a new step is proposed in order to correlate the observed effects with the flow structure inside the pump. In particular, the torque as a function of the relative position of the impeller blades is related to the blades loading, and the secondary flow in the volute is related to the different pressure patterns numerically obtained. Local flow analysis and qualitative study of the helicity in different volute sections is performed. The main goal of the study presented is the successful correlation of local and global parameters for the flow in a centrifugal pump. The pressure forces seem to be the main driven mechanism to establish the flow features both in the impeller and volute, for a wide range of operating conditions.

Aeroelasticity at Reversed Flow Conditions: Part 1—Numerical and Experimental Investigations of a Compressor Cascade With Controlled Vibration

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Schoenenborn ◽  
Virginie Chenaux ◽  
Peter Ott
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Steady Flow ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Blade Surface ◽  
Flow Conditions ◽  
Steady State Flow ◽  
Reversed Flow ◽  
Blow Down

The prediction of flutter and forced response at normal flow conditions has become a standard procedure during the design of compressor airfoils. But at severe off-design conditions, the flow field becomes very complex, especially during the surge blow-down phase where reversed flow conditions occur. The correct prediction of the unsteady pressures and the resulting aerodynamic excitation or damping at these conditions remains an extremely challenging task. In the first part of the paper, basic investigations for these flow conditions are presented. Aeroelastic calculations during compressor surge are shown in the second part. Experimental investigations were performed in the Annular Test Facility for non-rotating cascades at EPF Lausanne. The test cascade was exposed to flow conditions as expected during the surge blow-down phase which is characterized by large separation regions. Measurements of the steady-state flow conditions on the blade surface, at the outer wall, upstream and downstream of the cascade provided detailed information about the steady flow conditions. The cascade was then subjected to controlled vibration of the blades with constant amplitudes and inter-blade phase angles. Unsteady pressure measurements on the blade surface and at the casing wall provided information about the resulting unsteady flow conditions. Analytical CFD calculations were performed. The steady flow field was calculated using a RANS code. Based on the steady-state flow field, unsteady calculations applying a linearized code were carried out. The agreement between measurements and calculations shows that the steady flow as well as the unsteady flow phenomena can be predicted quantitatively. In addition, knowing the blade vibration mode shape, which in this case is a torsion mode, the aerodynamic damping can be determined for the corresponding flow conditions.

Numerical and Experimental Study of Unsteady Flow Field and Vibration in Radial Inflow Turbines

1999 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Kreuz-Ihli ◽  
D. Filsinger ◽  
A. Schulz ◽  
S. Wittig
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Transient Flow ◽  
Laser Doppler Anemometry ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Aerodynamic Forces ◽  
Unsteady Aerodynamic ◽  
Radial Inflow Turbine

The blades of turbocharger impellers are exposed to unsteady aerodynamic forces, which cause blade vibrations and may lead to failures. An indispensable requirement for a safe design of radial inflow turbines is a detailed knowledge of the exciting forces. Up to now, only a few investigations relating to unsteady aerodynamic forces in radial turbines have been presented. To give a detailed insight into the complex phenomena, a comprehensive research project was initiated at the Institut fu¨r Thermische Stro¨mungsmaschinen, at the University of Karlsruhe. A turbocharger test rig was installed in the high-pressure, high-temperature laboratory of the institute. The present paper gives a description of the test rig design and the measuring techniques. The flow field in a vaneless radial inflow turbine was analyzed using laser-Doppler anemometry. First results of unsteady flow field investigations in the turbine scroll and unsteady phase-resolved measurements of the flow field in the turbine rotor will be discussed. Moreover, results from finite element calculations analyzing frequencies and mode shapes are presented. As vibrations in turbines of turbochargers are assumed to be predominantly excited by unsteady aerodynamic forces, a method to predict the actual transient flow in a radial turbine utilizing the commercial Navier–Stokes solver TASCflow3d was developed. Results of the unsteady calculations are presented and comparisons with the measured unsteady flow field are made. As a major result, the excitation effect of the tongue region in a vaneless radial inflow turbine can be demonstrated. [S0889-504X(00)01402-1]

A Theoretical and Experimental Study of Confined Vortex Flow

1969 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 687-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Farris ◽  
G. J. Kidd ◽  
D. W. Lick ◽  
R. E. Textor
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Radial Flow ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Numerical Technique ◽  
Tangential Velocity ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Navier Stokes Equations ◽  
General Validity ◽  
Wide Range

The interaction of a vortex with a stationary surface was studied both theoretically and experimentally. The flow field examined was that produced by radially inward flow through a pair of concentric rotating porous cylinders that were perpendicular to, and in contact with, a stationary flat plane. The complete Navier-Stokes equations were solved over a range of tangential Reynolds numbers from 0–300 and a range of radial Reynolds numbers from 0 to −13, the minus sign indicating radially inward flow. In order to facilitate the solution, the original equations were recast in terms of a dimensionless stream function, vorticity, and third variable related to the tangential velocity. The general validity of the numerical technique was demonstrated by the agreement between the theoretical and experimental results. Examination of the numerical results over a wide range of parameters showed that the entire flow field is very sensitive to the amount of radial flow, especially at the transition from zero radial flow to some finite value.

scholarly journals Prediction of Unsteady Natural Convection within a Square Cavity Containing an Obstacle at High Rayleigh Number Value

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Basma Souayeh ◽  
Nader Ben Cheikh ◽  
Brahim Ben Beya ◽  
Taieb Lili
Keyword(s):  
Natural Convection ◽  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Computer Code ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Convection Flow ◽  
Square Cavity ◽  
Navier Stokes Equations ◽  
Volume Method

The present work deals with the prediction of a natural convection flow in a square cavity, partially heated by an obstacle placed at the bottom wall. The two transverse walls and the top wall of the cavity are supposed to be cold, the remaining walls are kept insulated. The main parameter of numerical investigations is the Rayleigh number (engine convection) varying from 103 to 105. When Ra is fixed at 107, the flow and thermal fields bifurcate and undergoes an unsteady behavior at critical positions. Flow patterns corresponding to the unsteady state are presented and analyzed in the current study. The simulations were conducted using a numerical approach based on the finite volume method and the projection method, which are implemented in a computer code in order to solve the Navier-Stokes equations.

Free Convective Flow Patterns in Cylindrical Annuli

1969 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 310-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Powe ◽  
C. T. Carley ◽  
E. H. Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Convective Flow ◽  
Cross Flow ◽  
Flow Patterns ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Free Convective Flow ◽  
Concentric Cylinders ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Written Descriptions

The results of all available experimental investigations into the characteristics of free convective flow of air between horizontal isothermal concentric cylinders are reviewed and several discrepancies are pointed out. An experimental study is described which was directed at resolving these discrepancies and categorizing the several flow patterns which have been observed. Using six different cylinder sets and varying both the annulus pressure and temperature difference between the cylinder surfaces, a range of Grashof numbers (based on annulus width) from 300 to 3.4 × 106 was achieved. The resulting air flow patterns were made visible with the use of tobacco smoke and are documented by written descriptions, photographs, motion pictures, and quantitative data. One steady and three unsteady flow patterns were observed and comparison with the results of other investigators is presented. A chart is presented which allows prediction of the type of unsteady flow that will occur for a wide range of cylinder combinations and annulus operating conditions. A comparison with cylinders in forced cross-flow is used to satisfactorily predict the onset of one of the unsteady flow patterns. Also, the flow patterns observed experimentally are compared to those predicted by an available analytical solution.

Unsteady Isothermal Flow Through a Staggered Tube Bundle Array

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Artit Ridluan ◽  
Surasing Arayangkun ◽  
Coochart Phayom
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Cfd Simulation ◽  
Transient Flow ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Tube Bundle ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Isothermal Flow ◽  
Flow Through

Two-dimensional Unsteady simulations of isothermal flow through a staggered tube bundle array at three different Reynolds numbers 54, 72, and 90 were investigated. The Navier-Stokes equations are numerically solved. Based on the CFD simulation results, the unsteady flow patterns were developed behind the rear row of the array, while for the other rows, the steady separated and reattached flow behaviors were observed, small, short, and closed separation bubble behind the rods. At Reynolds Number of 54, the transient flow was perfectly periodic. The complicated patterns of unsteady flow could be observed at Reynolds numbers of 72 and 90. The shedding patterns of vortices from the last rods were different and no longer periodic as found at Reynolds number of 54. The degree of chaos is increased as Reynolds number progressed.

Simulation of the Piston Driven Flow Inside a Cylinder With an Eccentric Port

1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrin Gharakhani ◽  
Ahmed F. Ghoniem
Keyword(s):  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Vortex Method ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Solid Boundary ◽  
Surface Boundary ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Stroke Length

A grid-free Lagrangian approach is applied to simulate the high Reynolds number unsteady flow inside a three-dimensional domain with moving boundaries. For this purpose, the Navier-Stokes equations are expressed in terms of the vorticity transport formulation. The convection and stretch of vorticity are obtained using the Lagrangian vortex method, while diffusion is approximated by the random walk method. The boundary-element method is used to solve a potential flow problem formulated to impose the normal flux condition on the boundary of the domain. The no-slip condition is satisfied by a vortex tile generation mechanism at the solid boundary, which takes into account the time-varying boundary surfaces due to, e.g., a moving piston. The approach is entirely grid-free within the fluid domain, requiring only meshing of the surface boundary, and virtually free of numerical diffusion. The method is applied to study the evolution of the complex vortical structure forming inside the time-varying semi-confined geometry of a cylinder equipped with an eccentric inlet port and a harmonically driven piston. Results show that vortical structures resembling those observed experimentally in similar configurations dominate this unsteady flow. The roll-up of the incoming jet is responsible for the formation of eddies whose axes are nearly parallel to the cylinder axis. These eddies retain their coherence for most of the stroke length. Instabilities resembling conventional vortex ring azimuthal modes are found to be responsible for the breakup of these toroidal eddies near the end of the piston motion. The nondiffusive nature of the numerical approach allows the prediction of these essentially inviscid phenomena without resorting to a turbulence model or the need for extremely fine, adaptive volumetric meshes.

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