14 - Geometry Definition

Summary

This chapter describes the essential aspects of geometry definition of flow channels, blades and vanes in radial compressors. The impeller blades and flow channel make up a complex three-dimensional shape, and a general method for defining such geometries using Bezier surfaces is described. The meridional channel is defined as a series of Bezier patches whose geometry is parametrised to allow changes to be made quickly and efficiently during the design. Radial compressor impeller blades are typically defined as a distribution of camber line angle and thickness on the hub and casing meridional sections. A three-dimensional shape is generated by joining the hub and casing sections by straight lines to make up a ruled surface. This simplifies simplify manufacture by flank milling. In transonic flows, a more complex definition is used in which the geometry is defined along a series of separate meridional planes. A description of the definition of asymmetric components, such as the volute, is also provided.