Performance prediction method of aviation fuel pumps based on the energy loss model

Due to the low-specific-speed and small-geometric-size characteristics of aviation fuel centrifugal pumps, their energy losses differ from those of conventional centrifugal pumps. Consequently, the performance prediction cannot simply rely on existing experience. In this study, a method integrating the energy loss model and computational fluid dynamics is employed to explore the interaction relationships among various energy losses within the pump, such as disk friction loss, volumetric leakage loss, and hydraulic loss. The research findings indicate that the maximum energy loss of the impeller exceeds 63.8%, the maximum disk friction loss exceeds 12.3%, the power of volumetric leakage loss is negatively correlated with that of disk friction loss, and the hydraulic loss of the volute approaches zero at small flow rates. During the high-altitude performance analysis, prior to the occurrence of cavitation, the energy loss of the impeller is approximately 21.4%. After severe cavitation, the energy loss of the impeller exceeds 44.3%, and the pressure drop within the pump reduces both the disk friction loss and the volumetric loss. Based on these results, mathematical prediction models for the hydraulic performance under different working conditions and the high-altitude performance at different altitudes are established and verified using three centrifugal pumps with different parameters. This study can provide an important reference for the prediction and optimization of the hydraulic performance and high-altitude performance of aviation fuel centrifugal pumps.