Vaneless Diffuser Advanced Model

Abstract

A new vaneless diffuser model is presented. Upon thorough examination of the change in average total pressure, the average static pressure and the average flow angle through a vaneless diffuser, it was discovered that existing models fail to provide useful integrity. Consequently, a new model was built. It was learned that it was necessary to use a two-zone model of the flow entering the vaneless diffuser and to carefully model the two-zone degradation as the flow passes through the vaneless diffuser. The new model is presented with detailed testing. The impact upon future design is outlined, and the expectation is established that various future designs will require the integrity of the new model; old models can be used in limited cases with care.