Flow Structure in a Radial Flow Pumping System Using High-Image-Density Particle Image Velocimetry

Use of high-image-density particle image velocimetry (PIV) allows characterization of the instantaneous structure of wake and wake-blade interactions in a simulated rotating machine. The distribution of vorticity over an entire plane within the pumping system is related to the instantaneous pressure source terms in the wake of the impeller. Comparison of instantaneous and ensemble-averaged vorticity contours shows that limited ensemble-averaging can produce a substantial reduction in vorticity levels associated with the instantaneous pressure source terms. When the wake from the impeller interacts with a stationary diffuser blade, the instantaneous processes of flow separation and reattachment can be effectively characterized using combinations of instantaneous streamline patterns and contours of constant vorticity. Moreover, active control of the inflow into the pumping system allows substantial modification of these vorticity distributions.