The Development of Wake Flow in a Centrifugal Impeller

Abstract

Three-dimensional flow, leading to the formation and the growth of a wake in a centrifugal impeller, has been studied. Results of flow measurements in a 1 m dia, shrouded, centrifugal compressor impeller running at 500 rpm are presented. Relative velocities and rotary stagnation pressures (p* = p + 1/2ρW2 − 1/2ρω2r2) were measured, on five cross-sectional planes between the inlet and outlet of the impeller, using pressure probes which were traversed within the rotating impeller passage. Particular attention was given to the convection of low p* fluid by secondary flows and to the formation of the wake in the shroud/suction-side corner region of the passage.