Turbopump Performance Prediction by Using CFD Analysis

The performance of an entire pump system composed of an inducer, an impeller, a volute and seals has been computationally analyzed. A commercial three dimensional Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes method is used in this study. The axial thrust is predicted from the pump calculation in its entirety, which is necessary for such estimation. Moreover, the effects of each component on the pump performance are investigated at a design condition through the analysis of flow structures. The predicted performance is in good agreement with experimental data in terms of head rise, efficiency and volute wall pressure distributions despite of highly complex flow structures being present. The computational results also show that the axial and radial thrusts are within the design limit although corresponding experimental measurements were not taken.