Blade Exit Angle Impact on Centrifugal Pump Performance: Entropy Generation and Fluid–Structure Interaction Analysis

Abstract

Understanding the impact of specific design parameters is essential for enhancing pump functionality and minimizing energy consumption. Alterations in the blade exit angle impact the static pressure, relative velocity, and energy loss within the pump and associated effects on the structural behavior of the impeller. This work investigates the influence of the blade exit angle on the performance, hydraulic, and structural design of the flow passage components of the centrifugal pump. Impeller models with different exit angles (15°, 20°, 30°, 40°, and 55°) were simulated while keeping all other parameters constant. Computational investigations were conducted to examine the flow characteristics of a centrifugal pump with five distinct impellers using the shear stress transport k–ω turbulence model. The numerical investigation was validated with the previous study. The analysis focuses on variations in static pressure, relative velocity, and energy loss. Besides, the energy loss distribution was investigated to determine the total entropy generation (TEG) and entropy generation rate (EGR). The fluid–structure interaction (FSI) for several impeller models was used to examine the effect of the exit angle on the structural properties of the impeller. The results demonstrate that the blade exit angle significantly impacts the pump performance. An increase in blade exit angle has resulted in a rise in head and pressure. Furthermore, the structural behaviors, including the total deformation and equivalent stress, are discussed. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into enhancing energy efficiency and hydraulic design principles of centrifugal pumps.