Optimization of 6.2:1 Pressure Ratio Centrifugal Compressor Impeller by 3D Inverse Design

In this work, the redesign of a centrifugal transonic compressor impeller with splitter blades by means of the three-dimensional inverse design code TURBOdesign1 is presented.

The basic design methodology for impellers with splitter blades is outlined and is applied in a systematic way to improve the aero/mechanical performance of a transonic 6.2:1 pressure ratio centrifugal compressor impeller. The primary design variables are the main and splitter blades loading and their thickness distributions, the splitter to main blade work ratio, as well as the span-wise swirl distribution. The flow in the original and redesigned impellers are then analyzed by means of a commercial CFD code (ANSYS CFX). The predicted flow field for the original impeller is compared with detailed L2F measurements inside and outside the impeller. The validated CFD results are used to compare the flow field in the optimized and original impeller.

It is shown that the inverse design method could be effectively used to control the position and strength of the shock waves, eliminate flow separation and hence obtain a more uniform impeller exit flow in order to improve the aerodynamic performance. In addition, some results are presented on the comparison of stress and vibration in both impellers.

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