Numerical Study on the Three-Dimensional Centrifugal Compressor Volute Flow

Three dimensional turbulent flow in the scroll volute of centrifugal compressor has been numerically investigated in this paper by solving the Navier-Stokes equations and k-ε equation model. The computational grid for the flow field of the scroll volute has been constructed based on the multi-block grid concept, which is good to avoid the central grid singularity as well as to promote grid stretching toward the volute wall. Numerical result has been obtained for both the two- and three- dimensions. For the latter flow, result of the scroll volute flow is compared with that of the straight conical volute. This comparison has sorted out the characteristic features of the three-dimensional scroll-type volute flow of centrifugal compressor.