Flow Field Explorations in a Boundary Layer Pump Rotor for Improving 1D Design Codes

Boundary layer pumps, although attractive due to their compactness, robustness and multi-fluid phase-handling capability, have been reported low experimental efficiencies despite optimistic predictions from analytical models. A lower-order flow-physics-based model that can be used as a 1D design code for sizing predicting pump performance is described. The rotor component modelled by means of the Navier–Stokes equations simplified using velocity profiles in inter-disk gap, while volute kinetic-energy-based coefficients inspired centrifugal pumps. predict outlet overall pressure ratio with an around 3% 10% average error, respectively, compared reference data water pump. Moreover, 3D RANS flow-field explorations are carried out different gaps provide insights concerning improvement better prediction performance. Improvements loss modelling through inclusion realistic flow properties at rather than detailed resolution within suggested guidelines improved predictions. Such codes could close gap between values, thereby paving way appropriate boundary pumps several applications, including aircraft thermal management.