Turbomachines

In general are turbomachines devices which transform the flow energy from steam, gas, water or wind directly into rotational energy. Continuous-flow machines are usually named turbomachines such as propellers, centrifugal pumps, ventilators and compressors.

Object of the engineering analysis of continuous-flow machines is the improvement of the flow characteristics of single components or the entire turbomachine to increase the efficiency of the overall system considering special issues such as cavitation, heat generation, vibrations and acoustics.

Using the method of computational fluid mechanics detailed insights into the physical processes of a continuous-flow machine can be gained. With the CFD model of the complete flow system of such a machine including all stationary and rotating components as well as its boundaries, the different operating states of a turbomachine can be calculated and the three-dimensional, transient flow conditions can be predicted. The simulations also look at the various interactions of the flow with walls and solid structures as important input for the evaluation of machine vibrations and surface erosion processes.

As result of the simulation, a detailed visualisation of the fundamental distribution of velocity and pressure fields in the turbomachinery is obtained. Other important design parameters, like hydraulic efficiency, temperature distributions, flow-induced static and dynamic load of turbomachine components, vibrations, bearing forces, erosion and acoustic effects are likewise determined. The detailed knowledge of the parameters and their interactions allows a highly efficient assessment and simulation-based optimisation of turbomachines and their components.