Analysis of flow losses and their contribution to the total flow loss in an axial flow pump using the large eddy simulation method

Authors

Benjamin Torner - Institute of Turbomachinery, University of Rostock
Lucas Konnigk - Institute of Turbomachinery, University of Rostock
Matthias Witte - Institute of Turbomachinery, University of Rostock
Frank Hendrik Wurm - Institute of Turbomachinery, University of Rostock

Abstract

Flow losses are unavoidable present in a turbomachinery. In order to improve the efficiency, the losses must be adequately analyzed, e.g. in a numerical simulation. In this context, the present paper presents a procedure, by which numerically determined flow losses can be examined in detail. First, the flow in the turbomachine (axial flow pump for cardiac support) was simulated using the large eddy simulation and it was verified that over 90% of the losses for the mean flow field were directly resolved. Afterwards, the relevant losses, namely the direct dissipation and turbulence production, were quantified within the pump using the “Power Loss Analysis” evaluation method. It was shown that the direct dissipation contributed to 80% to the total loss, whilst turbulent losses had a share of 20%. Regions with high losses were identified and a discussion about an optimization, in the special context of an axial flow pump for cardiac support, were given.