Application of viscous flow computations for the aerodynamic performance of a backswept impeller at various operating conditions

Three-dimensional flowfields in a centrifugal impeller with backswept discharge at various operating points have been numerically investigated with a three-dimensional viscous flow code. Numerical results and experimental data were compared for the detailed flowfields and overall performance of the impeller at three operating conditions (optimum efficiency, choke, and near-surge conditions). The comparisons indicate that for engineering applications the numerical solution accurately predicts various complex real flow phenomena. The overall aerodynamic performance of the impeller is also well predicted at design and off-design conditions.