Investigation of Tip Leakage Vortex Structure and Trajectory in a Centrifugal Pump with a New Omega Vortex Identification Method

Semi-open centrifugal pumps are widely used in various fields. However, the tip leakage vortex (TLV) has a malign effect on the impeller flow field. The structure and trajectory of a TLV under different discharge conditions were simulated and are discussed herein. Then, the characteristics of the TLV were analyzed using a new omega vortex identification method. The external characteristic and pressure fluctuation of the simulation and experiment were consistent. A secondary leakage vortex near the blade outlet was formed under the high-discharge condition. A leading-edge overflow phenomenon under the low-discharge condition and led to the formation of a reverse-flow vortex. The interface between the main flow and tip leakage flow moved toward the impeller upstream with decreased discharge. As a result, the peak of the entropy production curve moved upstream, and leading-edge overflow and reverse flow occurred. The tip leakage flow changed the blade pressure distribution, resulting in a decrease in the blade load.