Computer-Assisted Design of Pump Impellers.

A computer program was written to aid the engineer in the design of pump impellers. The design process first considers the one-dimensional analysis and then proceeds to the two- and three-dimensional construction of the impeller blading that will enable the pump to meet the design operating condition. The program incorporates the Streamline Curvature Method to determine the axisymmetric flow through the pump and employs techniques which are similar to the Mean Streamline Method of blade design. Computer generated plots of the various impeller views are included, and a completed design ready for fabrication is produced. The designer is encouraged at many points within the program to modify the design method as required by his individual needs or desires. A sample design is presented for a pump which is to be used as a model for a high-speed, marine surface craft, propulsion unit. Author