Effects of Radial Clearance Between Rotor and Casing on Flow Characteristics in a Centrifugal Pump

The electrification of the automotive industry and the lightweighting of aerospace equipment demand high-efficiency centrifugal pumps for compact spaces. A novel centrifugal pump incorporates an integrated impeller-motor rotor design, achieving a more compact footprint and higher power density. However, research is scarce on the radial clearance between the rotor and casing. This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the internal flow dynamics, combining numerical simulations with experimental validation. A significant reduction in fluctuation amplitude for pump efficiency, head coefficient, and frictional loss rate occurs when the clearance ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 mm. Within clearances of 0.75 to 1.5 mm, complex vortex systems emerge in the radial clearance, inducing diverse circumferential high-speed zones. Pressure fluctuations within the radial clearance are predominantly governed by the blade passing frequency. At a clearance of 1.5 mm, the rotational harmonic amplitude at monitoring points exceeds the blade passing frequency amplitude by a factor of 1.9, while the average pressure fluctuation intensity at other points increases significantly by 36.9%. An optimal clearance of 1.25 mm achieves a balance between flow characteristics and energy consumption. This research provides practical insights for optimizing pump energy performance and operational stability.