A three-dimensional Navier–Stokes solver is used to investigate the flow field of a high pressure ratio centrifugal compressor for turbocharger applications. Such a compressor consists of a double-splitter impeller followed by a vaned diffuser. Particular attention is focused on the analysis of the vaned diffuser, designed for high subsonic inlet conditions. The diffuser is characterized by a complex three-dimensional flow field and influenced by the unsteady interaction with the impeller. Detailed particle image velocimetry flow measurements within the diffuser are available for comparison purposes.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Keywords:
blades, centrifuges, compressors, flow measurement, impellers, multiphase flow, Navier-Stokes equations, numerical analysis, subsonic flow, transonic flow, velocimeters
Topics:
Blades, Compressors, Diffusers, Flow (Dynamics), Impellers, Computation, Numerical analysis, Pressure
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