CFD Simulation of Surge Onset in Centrifugal Compressors

Simulation of Surge Onset  in Centrifugal Compressors

Dr Mathew Stickland, in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Strathclyde is using ARCHIE-WeSt to investigate the flow structures present at the onset of surge phenomenon in centrifugal compressors. The project is conducted in cooperation with the Institute of Turbomachinery at the Lodz University of Technology where the experimental analysis was performed. Surge phenomenon is known to be a source of serious risk for compressor stability and safety and is caused by unstable flows which create turbulence and large scale pressure fluctuations. The project aims at broadening the understanding of the flow structures associated with surge onset. The application of both experimental and numerical methods provides complementary analysis of flow phenomena proceeding any surge which is a solid starting point for the development of modern anti-surge mechanisms that will be both safer and more economic.

For more information about the project contact Dr Matt Stickland (matt.stickland@strath.ac.uk), Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, or Grzegorz Liskiewicz (grzegorz.liskiewicz@p.lodz.pl), who is conducting research within the joint Phd Scheme between University of Strathclyde and Lodz University of Technology, Poland.

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