Analysis of flow field asymmetry and force on centrifugal pump by 3-D numerical simulation

A 3-D turbulent flow through entire a centrifugal pump was numerically simulated by using Fluent software. The analysis was completed in a multiple reference frame. The standard k - ε turbulence model has been applied. It showed obviously in the simulation that flow field was asymmetric, i. e., flow speed and pressure field were total different among all passages in the impeller. Axial force and radial force on the pump were calculated as well. The results indicated that radial force due to asymmetry of flow field is significant and probably affected stability of pump working. The current computation is verified by comparing predicted and measured head.