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Article
Publication date: 25 September 2018

Punit Kumar

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of stationary inlet zone bump (IZB) for film thickness enhancement in unidirectional pure sliding elastohydrodynamic…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of stationary inlet zone bump (IZB) for film thickness enhancement in unidirectional pure sliding elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) line contacts and to investigate the effects of maximum Hertzian pressure (load) and piezo-viscous response on the effectiveness of IZB.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical analysis involves the solution of Reynolds and elasticity equations. The well-established Doolittle–Tait equations are used herein to determine the lubricant viscosity and density as functions of local pressure, while the Carreau model is used to describe the lubricant rheology. The IZB is assumed to have a sinusoidal profile and it is present on the stationary surface. The governing equations are discretized using finite difference scheme and solved using the Newton–Raphson technique.

Findings

Two test oils, L7808 and SR600, with linear and exponential piezo-viscous responses in the inlet zone are considered here for comparison. The effectiveness of IZB in terms of film thickness enhancement is found to be more for SR600. Besides, IZB is found to be more effective at lower values of maximum Hertzian pressure. The bump needs to shift downstream at higher load to be as effective as at lower load.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to simulate EHL characteristics in the presence of a stationary IZB and to study the effect of various parameters on EHL effectiveness. The film thickness enhancement obtained here is remarkable and hence it is a novel and valuable contribution.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 70 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 March 2010

Zhengwei Wang, Guangjie Peng, Lingjiu Zhou and Deyi Hu

The pump of the Taipuhe Pump Station, larger flow discharge, lower head, is one of the largest 15° slanted axial‐flow pumps in the world. However, few studies have been done for…

Abstract

Purpose

The pump of the Taipuhe Pump Station, larger flow discharge, lower head, is one of the largest 15° slanted axial‐flow pumps in the world. However, few studies have been done for the larger slanted axial‐flow pump on safe operation. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impeller elevation, unsteady flow, hydraulic thrust and the zero‐head flow characteristics of the pump.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow field in and through the pump was analyzed numerically during the initial stages of the pump design process, then the entire flow passage through the pump was analyzed to calculate the hydraulic thrust to prevent damage to the bearings and improve the operating stability. The zero‐head pump flow characteristics were analyzed to ensure that the pump will work reliably at much lower heads.

Findings

The calculated results are in good agreement with experimental data for the pump elevation effects, the performance curve, pressure oscillations, hydraulic thrust and zero‐head performance.

Research limitations/implications

Since it is assumed that there is no gap between blades and shroud, gap cavitations are beyond the scope of the paper.

Originality/value

The paper indicates the slanted axial‐flow pump characteristics including the characteristic curves, pressure fluctuations, hydraulic thrust and radial force for normal operating conditions and zero‐head conditions. It shows how to guarantee the pump safety operating by computational fluid dynamics.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 November 2023

Wei Li, Yuxin Huang, Leilei Ji, Lingling Ma and Ramesh Agarwal

The purpose of this study is to explore the transient characteristics of mixed-flow pumps during startup process.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the transient characteristics of mixed-flow pumps during startup process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a full-flow field transient calculation method of mixed-flow pump based on a closed-loop model.

Findings

The findings show the hydraulic losses and internal flow characteristics of the piping system during the start-up process.

Research limitations/implications

Large computational cost.

Practical implications

Improve the accuracy of current numerical simulation results in transient process of mixed-flow pump.

Originality/value

Simplify the setting of boundary conditions in the transient calculation.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 January 2020

Chunlei Shao, Zhongyuan Zhang and Jianfeng Zhou

The purpose of this paper is to accurately predict the cavitation performance of a cryogenic pump and reveal the influence of the inlet pressure, the surface roughness and the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to accurately predict the cavitation performance of a cryogenic pump and reveal the influence of the inlet pressure, the surface roughness and the flow rate on the cavitation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the Zwart cavitation model was modified by considering the thermodynamic effect. Secondly, the feasibility of the modified model was validated by the cavitation test of a hydrofoil. Thirdly, the effects of the inlet pressure, the surface roughness and the flow rate on cavitation flow in the cryogenic pump were studied by using the modified cavitation model.

Findings

The modified cavitation model can predict the cavitation performance of the cryogenic pump more accurately than the Zwart cavitation model. The thermodynamic effect inhibits cavitation development to a certain extent. The higher the vapor volume fraction, the lower the pressure and the lower the temperature. At the initial stage of the cavitation, the head increases first and then decreases with the increase of the roughness. When the cavitation develops to a certain degree, the head decreases with the increase of the roughness. With the decrease of the flow rate, the hydraulic loss increases and the cavitation at the impeller intensifies.

Originality/value

A cavitation model considering the thermodynamic effect is proposed. The mechanism of the influence of the roughness on the performance of the cryogenic pump is revealed from two aspects. Taking the hydraulic loss as a bridge, the relationships among flow rates, vapor volume fractions, streamlines, temperatures and pressures are established.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2019

Mithun Kanchan and Ranjith Maniyeri

The purpose of this paper is to perform two-dimensional numerical simulation involving fluid-structure interaction of flexible filament. The filament is tethered to the bottom of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to perform two-dimensional numerical simulation involving fluid-structure interaction of flexible filament. The filament is tethered to the bottom of a rectangular channel with oscillating fluid flow inlet conditions at low Reynolds number. The simulations are performed using a temporal second-order finite volume-based immersed boundary method (IBM). Further, to understand the relation between different aspect ratios i.e. ratio of filament length to channel height (Len/H) and fixed channel geometry ratio, i.e. ratio of channel height to channel length (H/Lc) on mixing and pumping capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The discretization of governing continuity and Navier–Stokes equation is done by finite-volume method on a staggered Cartesian grid. SIMPLE algorithm is used to solve fluid velocity and pressure terms. Two cases of oscillatory flow conditions are used with the flexible filament tethered at the center of bottom channel wall. The first case is sinusoidal oscillatory flow with phase shift (SOFPS) and second case is sinusoidal oscillatory flow without phase shift (SOF). The simulation results are validated with filament dynamics studies of previous researchers. Further, parametric analysis is carried to study the effect of filament length (aspect ratio), filament bending rigidity and Reynolds number on the complex deformation and behavior of flexible filament interacting with nearby oscillating fluid motion.

Findings

It is found that selection of right filament length and bending rigidity is crucial for fluid mixing scenarios. The phase shift in fluid motion is also found to critically effect filament displacement dynamics, especially for rigid filaments. Aspect ratio, suitable for mixing applications is dependent on channel geometry ratio. Symmetric deformation is observed for filaments subjected to SOFPS condition irrespective of bending rigidity, whereas medium and low rigidity filaments placed in SOF condition show severe asymmetric behavior. Two key findings of this study are: symmetric filament conformity without appreciable bending produces sweeping motion in fluid flow, which is highly suited for mixing application; and asymmetric behavior shown by the filament depicts antiplectic metachronism commonly found in beating cilia. As a result, it is possible to pin point the type of fluid motion governing fluid mixing and fluid pumping. The developed computational model can, thus, successfully demonstrate filament-fluid interaction for a wide variety of similar problems.

Originality/value

The present study uses a temporal second-order finite volume-based IBM to examine flexible filament dynamics for various applications such as fluid mixing. Also, it highlights the relationship between channel geometry ratio and filament aspect ratio and its effect on filament sweep patterns. The study further reports the effect of filament displacement dynamics with or without phase shift for inlet oscillating fluid flow condition.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2011

Wen‐Guang Li

A method for optimizing net positive suction head required of axial‐flow pumps has been proposed by the present author, which is based on the two‐dimensional potential flow model…

Abstract

Purpose

A method for optimizing net positive suction head required of axial‐flow pumps has been proposed by the present author, which is based on the two‐dimensional potential flow model and without considering the tip gap effect. The objective of the paper is to confirm if the method is just and feasible for the case of viscous fluid flow in impellers with tip gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of steady, three‐dimensional, noncavitating and cavitating, turbulent, incompressible flows of water through two axial‐flow pump impellers were calculated by using CFD code Fluent. The two impellers included a reference one with constant circulation at outlet and an optimized one with variable circulation designed with the author's method and code. In computations, the throttling and unthrottling approaches were used, respectively. Comparison of hydraulic performance, averaged flow variables at the impeller inlet and exit, flow in the tip gap, flow variables on blade surfaces and suction performance between the optimized and reference impellers was made.

Findings

It was confirmed that the optimized impeller has better hydraulic and suction performances. The method for optimizing with variable flow circulation profile along blade span at the outlet to impeller is proper and practical. Additionally, an unstable regime in the head curves of two impellers is presented. In the regime, a stall occurs on the pressure side of the blade and a hysteresis exists, which causes a hysteresis‐loop.

Research limitations/implications

The effect of suction entry on flow is represented approximately by using a free‐vortex and uniform axial velocity. The diffusing component behind the impellers is not taken into account. The unsteadiness of flow is not considered, which would have a connection with stall pattern in an axial‐flow impeller.

Originality/value

The hydraulic and suction performances and flow variables of two axial‐flow pump impellers with tip clearance are obtained successfully with CFD. Stall and hysteresis as well as hysteresis‐loop in head curve are observed by using throttling and unthrottling approaches.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1998

Jorge L. Parrondo, Sandra Velarde and Carlos Santolaria

An approach is presented for the development of a predictive maintenance system for rotor‐dynamic pumps, which focuses on the diagnosis of abnormal events related to fluid‐dynamic…

2168

Abstract

An approach is presented for the development of a predictive maintenance system for rotor‐dynamic pumps, which focuses on the diagnosis of abnormal events related to fluid‐dynamic operating conditions. This methodology is based on an experimental characterization of the dynamic response of the pump under different loads and operation anomalies. The procedure has been put into practice on a medium‐sized centrifugal pump. The results obtained show that a simple spectral analysis of the pressure signals captured at either the inlet or the outlet of the pump can provide sufficient decision criteria to constitute the basis for a diagnostic system. This was not true however when analyzing signals of acceleration at the pump casing.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 January 2021

Vikram Kumar and Srivastava Granthi

The purpose of this study is to understand the basics of interactions of groundwater and surface water, which is needed for effective management of water resources.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the basics of interactions of groundwater and surface water, which is needed for effective management of water resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental setup was framed using curved flume and the straight flume, which simulates the model of river and groundwater storage, respectively. The model set up further consists, downstream, central and upstream sections where 14 observation wells, which are arranged at a measured distance from the canal side.

Findings

Exit gradient is higher at downstream when the average head differences between canal and river are 31.9 cm and 35.7 cm. Free seepage height is more in the downstream wells than upstream and central wells. At the downstream section, there is a greater chance of instability of the riverbank.

Research limitations/implications

Results will be used for better planning of hydraulic structural design.

Practical implications

Results will help in storing the large water and better irrigation planning for the water acute states and locations.

Originality/value

The originality is own developed physical model and its own first type to understand the basic of interaction and effects.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Wei Li, Leilei Ji, Weidong Shi, Ling Zhou, Xiaoping Jiang and Yang Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to experimentally and numerically study the transient hydraulic impact and overall performance during startup accelerating process of mixed-flow pump.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to experimentally and numerically study the transient hydraulic impact and overall performance during startup accelerating process of mixed-flow pump.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the impeller rotor vibration characteristics during the starting period under the action of fluid–structure interaction was investigated, which is based on the bidirectional synchronization cooperative solving method for the flow field and impeller structural response of the mixed-flow pump. Experimental transient external characteristic and the transient dimensionless head results were compared with the numerical calculation results, to validate the accuracy of numerical calculation method. Besides, the deformation and dynamic stress distribution of the blade under the stable rotating speed and accelerating condition were studied based on the bidirectional fluid–structure interaction.

Findings

The results show that the combined action of complex hydrodynamic environment and impeller centrifugal force in the startup accelerating process makes the deformation and dynamic stress of blade have the rising trend of reciprocating oscillation. At the end of acceleration, the stress and strain appear as transient peak values and the transient effect is nonignorable. The starting acceleration has a great impact on the deformation and dynamic stress of blade, and the maximum deformation near the rim of impeller outlet edge increases 5 per cent above the stable condition. The maximum stress value increases by about 68.7 per cent more than the steady-state condition at the impeller outlet edge near the hub. The quick change of rotating speed makes the vibration problem around the blade tip area more serious, and then it takes the excessive stress concentration and destruction at the blade root.

Originality/value

This study provides basis and reference for the safety operation of pumps during starting period

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Ling Zhou, Ling Bai, Wei Li, Weidong Shi and Chuan Wang

The purpose of this study is to validate the different turbulence models using in the numerical simulation of centrifugal pump diffuser. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to validate the different turbulence models using in the numerical simulation of centrifugal pump diffuser. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become the main method to study the pump inner flow patterns. It is important to understand the differences and features of the different turbulence models used in turbomachinery.

Design/methodology/approach

The velocity flow fields in a compact return diffuser under different flow conditions are studied and compared between CFD and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. Three turbulence models are used to solve the steady flow field using high-quality fine structured grids, including shear stress transport (SST) k-w model, detached-eddy simulation (DES) model and SST k-w model with low-Re corrections.

Findings

SST k-w model with low-Re correction gives better results compared to DES and SST k-w model, and gives a good predication about the vortex core position under strong part-loading conditions.

Originality/value

A special test rig is designed to carry out the 2D PIV measurements under high rotating speed of 2850 r/min, and the PIV results are used to validate the CFD results.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

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