Measurements of the Velocity Field Downstream of an Impeller

Abstract

The velocity field downstream of a model impeller operating in water was measured using a two-component laser doppler velocimeter. The investigation focussed on the spatial development of the mean velocity in the axial, radial, and circumferential direction, although simultaneous measurements were performed of the velocity unsteadiness from which turbulence characteristics were inferred. The measurements extended up to 12 impeller diameters downstream of the blades displaying the properties of the generated swirling jet both in the zone of flow establishment and the zone of established flow. The division between these zones was made based on similarity of the mean axial velocity profile. Integral properties of the flow such as volume and momentum flux were computed from the measured velocity profiles. The transverse spreading of the impeller jet and its development towards self-similarity were examined and compared with non-swirling jets and swirling jets generated by other means.