Computational Analysis of the Flow inside a Turbocharger Compressor

In this research، the three-dimensional flow in a centrifugal turbocharger compressor has been numerically simulated. The flow through impeller and diffuser is modeled to obtain the compressor performance map. Also، the side-space between the impellers and the casing is simulated، in order to model the entire compressor. For the moving zones، multi-rotating reference frame approach was used. Performance maps obtained through both numerical and experimental data (measured by the authors) are relatively close indicating the high ability of numerical approach used to simulate complicated flows، such as flow in turbomachineries. The secondary flow and the clearance loss caused by the impeller were well predicted by the present numerical simulation. Also، the shroud configuration and the tongue location were shown to have high impact on the compressor pressure rise and on lits efficiency.