A CAD Method for Centrifugal Compressor Impellers

Abstract

A computer-aided design method (CAD) has been developed for radially ending and backswept centrifugal compressor impellers. The geometrical concept introduced for generating the impeller geometry takes care of numerical, manufacturing, as well as aerodynamic aspects. The fluid dynamic calculation method applied is based on a quasi-three-dimensional approach coupled with a boundary layer calculation method. Detailed quantitative comparisons between theoretical data and laser measurements taken within a radially ending impeller revealed predominantly good agreement. Backswept impellers of different size and shape have been designed by the approach presented.