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The effect of inlet swirl on the rotordynamic shroud forces in a centrifugal pump

Journal Article · · Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2906707· OSTI ID:6504577
; ; ;  [1]
  1. California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena (United States)

The role played by fluid forces in determining the rotordynamic stability of a centrifugal pump is gaining increasing attention. The present research investigates the contributions to the rotordynamic forces from the discharge-to-suction leakage flows between the front shroud of the rotating impeller and the stationary pump casing. In particular, the dependency of the rotordynamic characteristics of leakage flows on the swirl at the inlet to the leakage path was examined. An inlet guide vane was designed for the experiment so that swirl could be introduced at the leakage flow inlet. The data demonstrate substantial rotordynamic effects and a destabilizing tangential force for small positive whirl ratios; this force decreased with increasing flow rate. The effect of swirl on the rotordynamic forces was found to be destabilizing.

OSTI ID:
6504577
Journal Information:
Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power; (United States) Vol. 115:2; ISSN JETPEZ; ISSN 0742-4795
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English