Prediction of the pressure distribution for radial inflow between co-rotating discs

Abstract

The problem of radial inflow between two plane co-rotating discs with the angular velocity of the fluid at inlet equal to that of the discs is considered. An integral solution technique for turbulent flow, based on that of von Karman (1921), is described. Solutions are shown to be in good agreement with most of the available experimental data. For incompressible flow the pressure drop coefficient is a function of just two non-dimensional parameters; the radius ratio for the cavity and a throughflow parameter. For air flows compressibility can be important and an additional non-dimensional parameter is needed. Results for a wide range of conditions are presented graphically. These show the sensitivity of the pressure coefficient to the governing parameters and provide a quick method for estimating the pressure drop.