Optimization of Radial Impeller Geometry

This lecture first provides an overview of the relation between the flow mechanisms in radial impellers and the 3D geometry. Special emphasis is given to secondary flows and the pressure gradients that govern them. It is followed by the description of a computerized optimization technique for the design of radial impellers. It is shown how the use of a Database, Artificial Neural Network and Genetic algorithm can be used to accelerate the design process and to improve performance. See also ADM002051. Presented at the Lecture Series of the Applied Vehicle Technology (AVT) Panel entitled Design and Analysis of High Speed Pumps, held in Rhode St. Genese, Belgium, on 20-23 Mar 2006. Published in the proceedings of the series, RTO-EN-AVT-143, p13-1 through 13-28, 2006. The original document contains color images.