Simulation Modeling in Hydrodynamic Analysis Software for the Flow of Pumped Fluid in a Centrifugal Pump Impeller

This paper presents the methodology and results of simulation modeling of the flow of pumped fluid within a centrifugal pump impeller, along with a comparison to analytical calculation results. The functional performance of dynamic pumps, including generated head, capacity, axial and radial forces, and efficiency, is directly governed by internal fluid flow parameters. Classical analytical models often rely on simplifying assumptions that significantly diverge from real physical flow behavior due to the theoretical complexity of analyzing 3D, non-uniform (turbulent) flow. The use of modern Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools allows for high-fidelity 3D simulation, enabling researchers to drastically reduce or entirely eliminate the need for physical prototypes and significantly shorten the overall design cycle. A structured methodology for simulation modeling is developed and applied here to analyze liquid flow in the impeller of a novel shaftless centrifugal pump design. Deviations between the outcomes obtained by the two methods do not exceed 15%, which is acceptable for the design of pumps and other turbomachinery. Based on the conducted research, a general scheme for computer-aided design (CAD) of pumps is proposed