Three-Dimensional Modelling of Solid-Fluid Interaction as a Design Tool in Screw Compressors
DS 30: Proceedings of DESIGN 2002, the 7th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik
Year: 2002
Editor: Marjanovic D.
Author: Kovacevic, Ahmed; Stošic, Nikola; Smith, Ian K.
Section: Multidisciplinary aspects of design
Page(s): 811-816
Abstract
In order to reduce internal leakage in screw compressors, efforts are continually being made to produce them with smaller clearances. However, since their rotors deform due to the high pressure loads under which they operate, a reliable estimate of the interaction between rotor deflection and fluid flow is needed to maximise the compressor performance while avoiding contact with the casing. A 3-D numerical grid comprising both solid and fluid domains, applied to a commercial computer code for simultaneous calculation of the fluid flow and compressor structure, is presented here. This demonstrates the effects on compressor torque, volume flow, efficiency and specific power due to the change in working clearances caused by rotor deformation.
Keywords: screw compressors, fluid interactions