Numerical simulation of viscous flows in hydraulic turbomachinery by the finite element method (Q1083308)

Finite element simulations of two-dimensional blade-to-blade channel flows and of swirling flows in a conical diffuser are described. Algorithms use state-of-the-art features of the FEM and are shown to provide helpful capabilities for the design of hydraulic turbomachinery. Results of the computation include a flow pattern with laminar instabilities characteristic of the onset of turbulence. Numerical experiments are conducted up to a Reynolds number of 2000.