Aerodynamic Design and Analysis of Vaneless Diffusers and Return Channels

Abstract

Procedures are presented for the aerodynamic design and performance analysis of vaneless diffusers, crossover bends and return channels. The design of the crossover bend and return channel is formulated to permit a computerized interactive design system, which has provided dramatic improvements in both quality of designs and engineering productivity. Mean streamline performance models are employed to fully support the interactive design system. These performance models are qualified against experimental data from several centrifugal compressor stage tests. A recent development program which used these procedures is reviewed to demonstrate their benefits.