Mechanical Mode Analysis of Centrifugal Pump Impellers Based on Numerical Simulations

Centrifugal pumps, serving as versatile mechanical‐to‐hydraulic energy converters, are extensively utilized for short‐to‐medium distance liquid transport under high‐head, low‐flow conditions. Ensuring their stable, efficient, and safe operation necessitates comprehensive performance analysis. These pumps encounter complex fluid environments and fluid–structure interactions during service, inducing critical dynamic design challenges. Consequently, wet‐mode analysis of impellers under fluid–structure coupling is imperative for resonance avoidance and operational safety. This study employs numerical simulations to validate flow‐channel design rationality while investigating operational‐condition and impeller‐geometry effects on pump efficiency. Key results demonstrate a natural frequency reduction in wet conditions relative to dry modes: the first and second modes decrease by 24%, while the third and fourth modes decline by 34% and 21%, respectively. Although vibration modes remain consistent across dry and wet states, wet‐mode amplitudes exhibit significant attenuation. Parametrically, increasing the front cover plate’s curvature radius reduces the first and second natural frequencies but elevates the third and fourth frequencies. Conversely, enlarging the rear cover plate’s curvature radius systematically increases all first four natural frequencies. This analysis confirms that augmenting the rear cover plate’s curvature radius provides an effective mechanism for impeller design optimization and pump performance enhancement through strategic natural frequency elevation.