Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF VIBRATION ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGIES, cilt.13, sa.8, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the dynamic response and vibration characteristics of a single-suction, four-stage centrifugal pump using an integrated approach that combines Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), rotor dynamics, and experimental testing. The objective is to achieve a detailed understanding of the pump's structural integrity and vibration behavior under various operating conditions, ensuring safe operation and improved performance prediction.MethodsTwo numerical frameworks were implemented: (i) CFD simulations to determine the pressure distribution and hydraulic performance across four impellers, and (ii) rotor dynamic and structural analyses to investigate natural frequencies, stress levels, and modal behavior. The pressure profiles obtained from CFD were used as input loads for structural analysis, enabling a coupled assessment of flow-induced forces. Modal, harmonic, and random vibration analyses were performed on the pump rotor, electric motor, and chassis assembly. Experimental vibration measurements were then conducted using tri-axial accelerometers across different flow rates (30-90 m(3)/h) and rotational speeds (1000-2900 rpm) to validate the numerical findings.ResultsCFD simulations predicted a pump head of 218 m and an efficiency of 68.3%, which closely matched the experimental results of 203 m and 66%, with a deviation of less than 8%. The first natural frequency of the rotor was determined as 67.9 Hz, well above the operational range, eliminating the risk of resonance. Structural analyses confirmed that the maximum stress (433 MPa) remained below the impeller material's yield strength (550 MPa), ensuring mechanical safety. Experimentally measured vibration amplitudes were within API 610 limits, and frequency responses showed strong agreement with simulated data, confirming the model's validity.ConclusionsThe integration of CFD and rotor dynamics analyses with experimental validation provides a robust methodology for predicting and optimizing the vibration and structural behavior of multistage centrifugal pumps. The proposed approach ensures operational safety, reliability, and performance consistency across different speeds and flow conditions. This framework can be effectively extended to other pump types, including double-suction and mixed-flow configurations, contributing to the design and optimization of advanced pump systems.