Fluid Mechanics of Turbomachines
Background
Within this research theme, flow phenomena in turbomachines are investigated. An improved, qualitative and quantitative, understanding of these phenomena is essential for further improving the performance of turbomachines. Such improvements, particularly in efficiency, are stimulated by EU-regulations and market demands.
Different types of turbomachine are considered, mainly:
- Centrifugal pumps
- Axial fans
Research Topics
Specific research topics are:
- CFD-based optimization methods
- Inverse-design methods
- CFD-based design methods
- Effects of blade sweep on aerodynamic performance of axial fans
- Influence of impeller trimming on hydraulic performance
- Fish-safety of centrifugal pumps
- Influence of trailing edge shape on hydrodynamics performance on radial impellers
- Sediment erosion of centrifugal pump impellers
- Design methods for reversible pump-turbines
- Design methods for axial fans
- PIV measurements of relative velocity fields in radial impellers
- Experimental validation of CFD methods
Collaboration
Collaboration is organized within the Turbovalley consortium (www.turbovalley.com)