Solving Impeller Analysis: 3 Unknowns & 0 Inlet Velocity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on analyzing a small impeller to determine its torque-speed graph but encounters difficulties due to an equation with three unknowns. The user outlines their approach, substituting variables related to relative velocity and mass flow, ultimately leading to a complex equation that still lacks a third equation for resolution. There is a suggestion that setting the inlet velocity to zero may not be realistic, as pump torque is significantly influenced by flow in addition to speed. Participants recommend consulting "Centrifugal and Axial Flow Pumps" by A. J. Stepanoff for theoretical insights, while some express a preference for practical analysis using existing pump curves. The conversation highlights the challenges of theoretical analysis versus empirical methods in pump performance evaluation.
billy k
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Impeller torque per speed description
Hello there, I am trying to analyze an impeller i found at home (small one) so i can find the torque-speed graph. The thing is that i get stuck in an equation with 3 unknowns instead of 2 and i don't know what else to assume.
My approach is as follows:
I take the usual equation: ## M = \dot{m} ( u_{iφ} R_i - u_{oφ} R_o) ## where M is the torque and i assume that ## u_{rel}## (relative velocity) is tangent to the geometry (see the image). So i substitue: ## u_{iφ} = ωR_i - u_{rel,i} cos(25^o) , u_{oφ} = ωR_o - u_{rel,o} cos(21^o)##
and for the mass flow (wich by the way the inlet area and outlet area are equal by geometry) :
## \dot{m} = ρ A_i u_{rel,i} sin(25^o) = ρ A_o u_{rel,o} sin(21^o) ## which gives the relation between the relative speeds (the ω term adds nothing to mass flow).
Therefore i end up with:
## M = [2π R_i b_i u_{rel,i} sin(25^o) ]* [ ω(R_o - R_i) - u_{rel,i} ( cos(25^o) - cos(21^o) * \frac{sin(25^o)}{sin(21^o)} ] ##
The last equation has the 3 unknowns and using the Μ-ω of a motor for example i still lack an equation.
Thats my question; what is the third equation? or have i done something wrong so far?
I also want to ask if its realistic to set the inlet velocity to 0 (no whirl at entrance).
Thanks in advance.
 

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Not to nitpick, but pump torque is heavily dependent on flow in addition to speed. If you really want to do a theoretical analysis of a pump impeller, get a copy of Centrifugal and Axial Flow Pumps, by A. J. Stepanoff. If you don't want to buy it, borrow a copy by interlibrary loan.

I have a copy, I read it, and I convinced myself that I do not ever want to do a theoretical analysis of a pump. Especially since it is so much easier to find the pump curve for a similar pump, then extrapolate using the pump similarity equations.
 
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