Centrifugal Pump CFD Simulation Using Multiple Reference Frame (MRF) Approach in ANSYS Fluent

Description

A centrifugal pump was modeled and analyzed using ANSYS Fluent to study its aerodynamic performance. The impeller and volute geometry were created in SpaceClaim/DesignModeler and simulated under steady-state conditions at 1500 RPM with an inlet velocity of 140 m/s. The aim was to evaluate velocity distribution and pressure rise across the pump.

Geometry and Mesh

The 3D centrifugal pump, including impeller blades and volute casing, was meshed with about 2 million tetrahedral cells in ANSYS Meshing. A refined mesh was applied around blade passages and the volute to capture turbulence and pressure gradients accurately.

Models and Solver Settings

The simulation used a pressure-based steady solver with the k-ω SST turbulence model, well-suited for rotating machinery. The impeller motion was modeled using the MRF approach. Boundary conditions included a velocity inlet (140 m/s) and a pressure outlet, while the Coupled algorithm ensured stable pressure–velocity convergence.

Results

The pump showed strong acceleration of air through the impeller, with outlet velocities reaching about 300 m/s. Pressure contours highlighted a clear rise from inlet to outlet, with high pressure on the blade pressure side and low pressure on the suction side. The flow pattern inside the volute confirmed efficient energy transfer from impeller rotation to the fluid, validating the chosen design and CFD setup.