Numerical Investigation of a Transonic Centrifugal Compressor

TitleNumerical Investigation of a Transonic Centrifugal Compressor
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsMarconcini M, Rubechini F, Arnone A, Ibaraki S
JournalASME Journal of Turbomachinery
Volume130
Issue1
Pagination011010
Date Published01/2008
ISSN Number0889-504X
Accession NumberWOS:000253640600010
Other NumbersScopus 2-s2.0-47649116139
KeywordsCentrifugal Compressors, Splitters, Turbochargers
Abstract

A three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver is used to investigate the flow field of a high-pressure ratio centrifugal compressor for turbocharger applications. Such a compressor consists of a double-splitter impeller followed by a vaned diffuser. The inlet flow to the open shrouded impeller is transonic, thus giving rise to interactions between shock waves and boundary layers and between shock waves and tip leakage vortices. These interactions generate complex flow structures which are convected and distorted through the impeller blades. Detailed laser Doppler velocimetry flow measurements are available at various cross sections inside the impeller blades highlighting the presence of low-velocity flow regions near the shroud. Particular attention is focused on understanding the physical mechanisms which govern the flow phenomena in the near shroud region. To this end numerical investigations are performed using different tip clearance modelizations and various turbulence models, and their impact on the computed flow field is discussed.

URLhttp://turbomachinery.asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/article.aspx?articleid=1467613
DOI10.1115/1.2752186
Original PublicationASME paper GT2006-90098
Refereed DesignationRefereed