Axial flow impeller design and simulation for negative pressure adsorption climbing robot

Abstract

Abstract Axial flow impeller is broadly applied in negative pressure adsorption climbing robots, but its design method and procedure are rarely reported. This paper used a wind turbine blade climbing NDT robot as case study, presented a comprehensive design process of the axial flow impeller, and evaluated the adsorption performance of the impeller by carrying out simulation experiments. Firstly, analysing the force equilibrium of the robot and determining minimum adsorption force required by the robot. Secondly, defining design parameters of the axial flow impeller by using fluid dynamics analysis method. Thirdly, specifying structural parameters of the impeller blades using impeller design theory and developing the CAD model of the impeller. Finally, evaluating the adsorption performance of the impeller by carrying out a series of Fluent simulation experiments. Research results showed that the total adsorption force of the impeller reached 80.30N as rotational speed is 6000rpm, which satisfied design requirements of the climbing robot. This research provides a methodological framework in designing axial flow impellers for the purpose of negative pressure adsorption.