Design optimization for mixed-flow pump impeller by improved suction performance and efficiency with variables of specific speeds

In this study, the shape of a mixed-flow pump impeller and its flow characteristics as a function of the specific speed are studied to improve its suction performance and efficiency. The shapes of mixed-flow pump impellers show a trend based on the specific speed. To construct the optimum database, a mixed-flow pump impeller with a specified specific speed is optimally designed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and design of experiment (DOE). The design variables of the impeller are defined in the meridional plane and vane plane development for impeller. By analyzing the trends of different mixed-flow pump impeller shapes, the optimized shape that satisfies the design specification can be designed easily. The trend exhibited by the design variables depending on the specific speed is analyzed using the shape of the optimally designed mixed-flow pump impeller. The shape of the mixed-flow pump impeller, as per the required design specification, is designed using the trends of the design variables based on the specific speed. The performance of the designed model is verified using CFD and experimental test.