Flow Field Analysis and Improvement of Automobile Water Pump Based on FLUENT

Inner flow field of a centrifugal water pump applied in automobile was numerically simulated by 3-D modeling and MRF(Multiple Reference Frame) method in FLUENT. The results indicate that cavitation erosion occurred at the back of blade root; the impact of water against blade root, blade end and side wall of spiral casing leads to turbulent kinetic energy loss. After optimization based on the results, cavitation was improved by increasing inlet diameter which decreased inlet velocity. Energy loss was reduced by increasing the thickness of spiral casing which impaired the impact of water against the wall of spiral casing.