Numerical Simulation of Dynamic Flow Characteristics in a Centrifugal Water Pump Considering Shaft Torsional Vibration

Abstract

The complex three-dimensional turbulent flow field in a centrifugal water pump is numerically simulated considering torsional vibration of the shaft. The characteristic frequency and the frequency modulation phenomenon is investigated when the fluctuated-rotation-speed is considered. The results show that the amplitude of pressure fluctuation is bigger when the rotating-speed of shaft is unsteady, indicating that the speed fluctuations of impellers intensify the nonuniformity and instability of the whole flow field inside the pump. Besides, the Blade Passing Frequency (BPF) has obvious sidelobe frequency peaks when different frequency rate of speed appears. It can be concluded that sidelobes maybe come from the torsional vibration of the shaft. The main findings of this work can provide prediction of the pump performance and information for further optimal design of centrifugal pumps as well.