Date of Award
2007
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Supervisor
Dr. Savory
Second Advisor
Dr. Martinuzzi
Abstract
A Stationary Cascade Rig (SCR) was designed and built to model the outlet flow properties of a conventional impeller. The SCR was used as a preliminary testing ground for a larger project based on a full-scale centrifugal compressor. The feasibility and validity of obtaining Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) results was determined using the SCR. The facility was equipped with various optical access windows and seeding ports to determine the optimal conditions in which to obtain LDV data. It was found that obtaining measurements in such a complex environment was not a trivial task. The SCR could be run for only one hour a day before the air supply ran out, and the pressure vessels had to be re-charged. In addition, the ability of the LDV to detect particles at design conditions was minimal, and therefore much of the testing was done at below design conditions. Although little experimental data was obtained, due to the above noted reasons, valuable experience in obtaining LDV data was gained, as well as the process in which they may be obtained in the full-scale compressor rig. Simultaneously, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were being performed to develop a model that would reliably solve the flow field of the SCR. Preliminary comparison of the CFD results to the experimental data show good promise of the validity of the model. The developed model was also used to perform particle tracking simulations that would determine the dispersion and concentration of the seeding particles for LDV measurements. It was found that the dispersion of the particles compared well to the available experimental data. However, at this time the ability for the CFD solver to predict particle concentration is still questionable. The designed facility and set-up is functioning for all its design purposes. LDV measurements have been obtained and are still ongoing in the SCR. As well, a CFD model for resolving the flow field and particle dispersion has been defined.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Rita, "EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF A STATIONARY CASCADE RIG" (2007). Digitized Theses. 5121.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/5121