Experimental and Computational Study of a Radial Compressor Inlet

Abstract

Flow field measurements and flow visualization for a quarter scale model of a radial compressor inlet are presented for varying flow rates and inlet profiles. Non-uniform inlet profiles are created using a 90° bend directly upstream of the inlet. Experimental results are compared with the CFD analysis from a commercial 3-D Navier Stokes code. The experimental and computational results show good agreement, even in regions of reverse flow. The results from this study show CFD analysis can be used with confidence to predict the performance of radial compressor inlets.