Validations of some slip factor models for mixed-flow impellers

Accurate modeling of the slip factor is essential for correct prediction of the mixed-flow impeller performance, but the slip factor model well-known for mixed-flow impeller is relatively rare. Two ways for calculating mixed-flow impeller slip factor are present in this paper: (1) Using impeller exit inclination angle correction to transform the slip factor for centrifugal impeller to mixed-flow machine. (2) Setting up model that can be used to mixed-flow machine directly. Based on these two ways, there are six slip factor models chosen for mixed-flow impeller, including models of Wiesner, Stodola, Staniz, Paeng, Backstrom and Qiu. And they are need to be validated by experiments data to find a proper method for mixed-flow machine. The test data are reproduced from Wiesner's work and nine mixed-flow impellers are included. Experiment and simulation (including six slip factors) have been conducted and the results show that: (1) slip factor models of centrifugal impeller can be used to mixed-flow impeller while no proper mixed-flow slip factor models exist. If the impeller discharge inclination angle is greater than 45 degree, then these models can be used for mixed-flow impellers directly without transformation. (2) Equivalent blade number exists in mixed-flow impeller and it may have critical value. There are only little differences between results calculated by various slip factor models in the condition of equivalent blade number beyond the critical value. Otherwise it has to choose proper slip factor models as different situations while the equivalent blade number is less than the critical value. (3)Blade number, impeller exit inclination angle and exit blade angle of mixed-flow impeller are dominated over slip factor, but blade turning rate and flow coefficient have to be taken into account for more exact solution.