Finite Element Analysis of Three-Dimensional Flow Through a Turbocharger Compressor Wheel

Abstract

Analysis of three-dimensional, transonic, potential flow through a compressor rotor is investigated using the finite element method. The formulation of the equations and the generation of the corresponding finite element grid are presented. A constant-coefficient solution scheme is applied for the efficient solution of these equations. Numerical results are obtained for the flow through a 5.0” diameter turbocharger compressor wheel. Four different mass flow rates are considered including a transonic, near-choked flow case. Accuracy of the numerical results are tested by comparing with experimental measurements.