Experimental Study Of The Influence Of Backflow Control On Pump Hydraulic-Mechanical Interaction

Abstract

A series of right-angle pump intakes, incorporating minimum axial depths and decelerating flows, has been experimentally evaluated using an air flow test procedure. Performance was measured, internal flow fields observed and a wall streamline flow visualization method was employed with an extension to allow its use on curved surfaces. Diffusing intakes, which are sometimes required in applications such as aircraft fuel pumps, are shown to be sensitive to small changes in internal geometry. The flow structures associated with the observed loss regions are described, together with some implications for intake design.