Computer analysis of the stress-deformation state of the centrifugal compressor impeller

Impellers are axisymmetrical parts. Sometimes they have complex forms. They are mainly loaded by centrifugal forces. The impellers are heavy duty parts, often working for long time and their total load could be very large that the analysis of the conditions of their strength is impossible without considering creep. At the same time, the impellers are the most critical parts of machines and their strength should be guaranteed with high reliability. This defines difficulties and responsibilities of the compressor and turbine impellers strength calculations. In this paper the impeller of the centrifugal compressor is considered. The aim is to numerical evaluation of the impact of the gas flow and the effect of centrifugal force on the stress-strain state of the centrifugal compressor impeller. The simulation was performed in the ANSYS software package. The problem of the gas flow in the flow area of the compressor impeller was solved. The stress-strain state of the wheel including pretension, action of the centrifugal forces and the gas flow was calculated. The results of the investigation of the gas flow influence and the action of centrifugal forces on the stressstrain state of the impeller are represented in this article. The study shows that the consideration of mentioned factors leads to the significant stress increasing that could exceed permissible values.