MODELLING AND ANALYSIS OF A CENTRIFUGAL

PUMP IMPELLER

A FIELD PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

BY

KAPISH BARIK 22071A0373

BAKKA SAMPREETH GOUD 23075A0320
JUJAM MAHENDAR 22071A0370
MALOTHU GANESH 22071A0379

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

CH. RAJESWARI
Assistant Professor

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

VALLURUPALLI NAGESWARA RAO VIGNANA JYOTHI

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
PRAGATHI NAGAR, NIZAMPET (S.O),
HYDERABAD - 500090
JANUARY - 2024
 ii

VALLURUPALLI NAGESWARA RAO VIGNANA JYOTHI

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
An Autonomous Institute, NAAC Accredited with ‘A++’ Grade
NBA Accreditation for [Link]. CE, EEE, ME, ECE, CSE, EIE, IT, AME and
[Link]. STRE, PE, AMS and SE programmes
Approved by AICTE, New Delhi, Affiliated to JNTUH
Recognized as “College with Potential for Excellence” by UGC
Vignana Jyothi Nagar, Pragathi Nagar, Nizampet (S.O), Hyderabad – 500 090, TS, India.
Telephone No: 040-2304 2758/59/60, Fax: 040-23042761
E-mail: postbox@[Link], Website: [Link]
Estd.1995

Department of Mechanical Engineering

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Field Project report entitled

“MODELLING AND ANALYSIS OF A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP IMPELLER” being
submitted by

S. NO. NAME OF STUDENT. HALL TICKET NO.

1. KAPISH BARIK 22071A0373
2. BAKKA SAMPREETH GOUD 23075A0320
3. JUJAM MAHENDAR 22071A0370
4. MATHOLU GANESH 22071A0379

in partial fulfillment for the award of BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY in MECHANICAL

ENGINEERING to the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad at
VALLURUPALLI NAGESWARA RAO VIGNANA JYOTHI INSTITUTE OF
ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, HYDERABAD, is a record of bonafide work carried
out by them under our guidance and supervision.
The results embodied in this thesis have not been submitted to any other University or
Institute for the award of any degree or diploma.

Signature of Supervisor Signature of HOD

CH. Rajeswari Dr. Bollu Satyanarayana
Assistant Professor Professor & HOD
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
VNR VJIET, Hyderabad VNR VJIET, Hyderabad
 iii

APPROVAL CERTIFICATE

Field project evaluation for the dissertation work entitled “MODELLING AND
ANALYSIS OF A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP IMPELLER” being submitted by Mr.
KAPISH BARIK, Mr. BAKKA SAMPREETH GOUD, Mr. JUJAM MAHENDAR,
Mr. MALOTHU GANESH is conducted on …………………. and the work is approved
for the award of BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY in MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING.

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

 iv

VNR VIGNANA JYOTHI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

(An Autonomous Institution, Accredited by NAAC with ‘A++’ grade and NBA)
Pragathi Nagar, Nizampet (S.O.),
Hyderabad - 500090
Telangana
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

DECLARATION

We, the undersigned declare that the project report entitled “Modelling and Analysis of
Centrifugal Pump Impeller” has been carried out and submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the Award of the Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering at
VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru
Technological University, Hyderabad is an authentic work and has not been submitted to
any other university.

KAPISH BARIK 22071A0373

BAKKA SAMPREETH GOUD 23075A0320
JUJAM MAHENDAR 22071A0370
MALOTHU GANESH 22071A0379

PLACE: HYDERABAD

DATE : 25-01-24
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LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 3.1 2D Model of Impeller Pump 07

Fig 3.2 Front View of Impeller 08
Fig 3.3 Side view of Impeller 08
Fig 3.4 Top-Front Edge View of Impeller 08
Fig 3.5 Top-Back Edge View of Impeller 08
Fig 3.6 Deformation of SS at 1000 rpm 09
Fig 3.7 Equivalent Stresses of SS at 1000 rpm 10
Fig 3.8 Maximum Elastic Strain of SS at 1000 rpm 10
Fig 3.9 Deformation of SS at 1500 rpm 11
Fig 3.10 Equivalent Stresses of SS at 1500 rpm 11
Fig 3.11 Maximum Elastic Strain of SS at 1500 rpm 12
Fig 3.12 Deformation of SS at 2000 rpm 12
Fig 3.13 Equivalent Stresses of SS at 2000 rpm 13
Fig 3.14 Maximum Elastic Strain of SS at 2000 rpm 13
Fig 3.15 Deformation of CI at 1000 rpm 14
Fig 3.16 Equivalent Stresses of CI at 1000 rpm 14
Fig 3.17 Maximum Elastic Strain of CI at 1000 rpm 15
Fig 3.18 Deformation of CI at 1500 rpm 15
Fig 3.19 Equivalent Stresses of CI at 1500 rpm 16
Fig 3.20 Maximum Elastic Strain of CI at 1500 rpm 16
Fig 3.21 Deformation of CI at 2000 rpm 17
Fig 3.22 Equivalent Stresses of CI at 2000 rpm 17
Fig 3.23 Maximum Elastic Strain of CI at 2000 rpm 18
 vi

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1 Comparison of Structural Steel’s Properties at its Upper and Lower Limits 19
Table 3.2 Comparison of Grey Cast Iron’s Properties at its Upper and Lower Limits 19
 vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The fulfillment and joy that come with accomplishing any task would be lacking without
acknowledging the individuals who have played a crucial role, as success is the pinnacle of
diligent effort. Therefore, we express our gratitude to all those whose guidance and
encouragement have contributed to the success of our endeavors.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our Principal, Dr. C.D. NAIDU, and the
Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. B. SATYANARAYANA, for their
invaluable encouragement, which greatly contributed to the successful completion of this
project.

We thank our guide Mrs. CH. RAJESWARI, Assistant professor, for her continuous
guidance and support in conducting the project.
We would also like to thank Mr. KODE JAYA PRAKASH, Assistant Professor for his
assistance in executing the project.

The invaluable support from our parents, a constant source of inspiration, cannot be
overlooked. We express gratitude to every person who has played a role, whether directly
or indirectly, in driving the project to its successful completion.
 viii

ABSTRACT

A Centrifugal Pump is a mechanical device that is used to transport fluids from one place to
another, usually with a difference in height using rotational kinetic energy. It obtains this
energy with the help of engines/motors powering it. A centrifugal pump usually consists of two
parts: a rotating impeller and a stationary case to the impeller. Fluid is introduced into the
swiftly rotating impeller along its axis and is expelled by centrifugal force along the
circumference through the vane tips of the impeller. At the core of a centrifugal pump lies the
impeller, a pivotal component comprising a set of curved vanes. Typically positioned between
two discs in an enclosed impeller configuration, the efficient functioning of a centrifugal pump
hinges on the consistent and high-speed rotation of its impeller.
In our project, we try to find an efficient design for an impeller using CAD software, along
with testing for the right material by comparing two (Cast Iron, Structural Steel). This design
is based on the customer requirements and efficient selection of the materials. We then perform
CFD analysis to understand the working of the impeller under rotation. These two different
materials are tested at various different rotational velocities to find a safe rotational velocity
which doesn’t break the blade or doesn’t cause heavy deformation. Parameters such as Von-
misses Stresses, strain, pressure distribution, etc. are checked to analyze the better material and
the optimal velocity for the rotation of the impellers using ANSYS.

Key Words: Centrifugal Pump, Rotational Kinetic Energy, CAD (Computer Aided
Design), CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), Von-misses Stresses, ANSYS
 ix

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Certificate ii
Approval Certificate iii
Declaration iv
List of Figures v
List of Tables vi
Acknowledgements vii
Abstract viii
Table of Contents ix

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction 01
1.2 Background 01
1.3 Tools, Equipment and Terminology Used 02
1.4 Outline of Project Report 02

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Review of Literature 03
2.2 Problem Statement 06
2.3 Project Objectives 06
2.4 Summary 06

CHAPTER 3: DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECT

3.1 Methodology of Project 07
3.2 Design of Impeller 07
3.3 Analysis of Impeller
3.3.1 Structural Steel 09
3.3.2 Grey Cast Iron 14
3.4 Results
3.3.1 Structural Steel 19
3.3.2 Grey Cast Iron 19

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSIONS
4.1 Conclusions 20

References 21
 1

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT

A Centrifugal Pump is a mechanical device that uses rotational kinetic energy to transport
or to move fluids to higher heights. The rotational energy is imparted to the pump with the
help of engines/motors. The pump usually consists of two main parts: a rotating impeller
and the stationary housing for the impeller.
The fluid enters the housing and the rotational moment of the impeller produces strong
centrifugal forces to act on it. It is flung outwards by centrifugal forces, with an increase in
both velocity and pressure as a result of the action of the vanes of the impeller. The housing
of the pump then controls and decelerates the flow before exiting.

1.2 BACKGROUND

Centrifugal Pump is an important mechanical device used for the transportation or flow of
fluids. Optimizing the impeller for a higher efficiency will allow us to produce cost cuts
and at the same time increase the flow rate for the pump. Several versions of impeller pumps
and designs of the blades have been created to find the optimal material and rotating
velocities. In the past, materials such as steel, Inconel, aluminum, etc. are used to construct
these blades. Construction Factors such as blade angle, dimensions, number of blades
differentiate our project from the previous research projects.
Using technology such as CAD, we can design various different versions of the blade and
impeller design to fit our requirements and tests. Using CFD we are able to simulate the
working of this pump at different velocities and find the performance of the pump under
these conditions. CFD using ANSYS allows us to cut costs, time and effort to able to
understand the working and analyze. We are also able to explore a broader variety of outputs
and test cases. Research has shown that any compound between short and long blades in
the pumping impeller would enhance the pump efficiency because the uniform distribution
near the intake suction is a powerful prevention to any growth that it calls (wake flow). The
composite of short and long blades in a single rotor case is beneficial for the efficiency of
the pump owing to variations in the position. By correct numerical and simulation method,
the major features and performance of the pump may be anticipated.
 2

1.3 TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND TERMINLOGY USED

This project has been designed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to model
the Centrifugal Pump Impeller. The 2D model taken for reference was converted to a 3D
model using Fusion 360. This model, was then analyzed and tested on. A structural based
test on ANSYS Workbench was then performed.

1.4 OUTLINE OF PROJECT REPORT

This report discusses the history of centrifugal pumps along with their working initially.
We understand the concepts of the fluid flow and the movement of fluids within the
centrifugal pump. The project then talks about the past projects and research projects which
have worked on similar concepts and ideas, i.e., the references we used to get a better handle
of the project and dive deeper. We then begin the process of designing our impeller using a
pre-guided design using Fusion 360 and obtain a stable and efficient design. Next, we test
our design using two different materials (Cast Iron and Structural Steel) and use ANSYS to
understand the behavior of the two materials at different rpms (1000, 1500 and 2000).
Various parameters such as Von-misses Stresses, Strain and deformation allow us to
understand the test cases. We then use the results to obtain the best material for the design
of the impeller and also the safer rotational velocity for operation.
 3

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Kimberly Fernandez, Et. Al. [1] help us to understand the basics of how a Centrifugal Pump
works by defining its basics. The process engineer specifies the pump's required flowrate, pressure,
density, and viscosity based on the material and energy balances. Head is the most commonly used
measurement of energy and applies to any liquid at the same rated capacity and speed. Pressure
varies depending on the fluid properties. Pumps can be run in series to increase head or in parallel
to increase capacity. Brake horsepower (BHP) is related to the flowrate, head, specific gravity, and
efficiency. Selection is based on operating conditions and fluid properties. Pump control is often
used to maintain a set process flowrate. Throttling, on-off control, and speed control are common
methods. Centrifugal pumps have a required minimum flow below which they can incur damage.
A recirculation line may be needed to accommodate this.

Mohammad Emal Qazizadai, Et. Al. [2] through their research express that centrifugal pumps
can function at different rotational speeds, diverse heads, and flow rates without encountering
mechanical issues. The demonstration of connecting centrifugal pumps in parallel revealed that
this configuration is suitable for transferring a large quantity of liquid to a specific height. On the
other hand, when the pumps are connected in series, the objective is to transfer liquid to meet the
required net head. As the head values decrease, there is an increase in the flow rate, demonstrating
a proportional relationship with the pump revolution at 3000 rpm.

Farah, E., Selamat, F., Et. Al. [3] considered the design of a centrifugal pump on ANSYS
Workbench and the used ANSYS-CFX to test the integrity of the impeller blades at different
speeds. Speeds of 1150, 1750 and 2500 rpm were tested to obtain the pressure distributions on the
impeller blades. The study demonstrated that the correlation between pressure and impeller
rotation speed undergoes changes with an increase in impeller rotation speed, resulting in higher
minimum and maximum pressures. Additionally, the investigation established a connection
between rotation speed and static head, revealing a clear trend of static head augmentation as
rotation speed increases. Impeller C, operating at 2500 rpm, achieved the highest static head at
46.28m and displayed the most favorable pressure distribution, attaining a peak efficiency of
69.39%, while Impeller A, running at 1150 rpm, yielded the lowest static head at 11.72m.

The work of M. E. Matlakala, Et. Al. [4] is an examination is carried out to investigate the impact
on the centrifugal pump's performance and identify the cause of wear ring erosion on the pump's
dead-end side. Hydraulic efficiency losses in centrifugal pumps are affected by the impeller
diameter. To enhance water entry into the impeller's eye and diminish the gap between the casing
wear ring and impeller inlet, it is suggested to consider design modifications for the wear rings or
impeller neck rings. Additionally, it is advisable to create a predictive model for efficiency losses
in these pumps using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The pump's strength
should be verified through static structural analysis using various materials.
 4

Malik N. Hawas, Et. Al. [5] through their paper explored the dynamics of two different impellers,
with parameters for number of blades, blade geometry and inlet and outlet diameters and
performed simulations using ANSYS to understand the better characteristics of the blades. The
findings suggest that augmenting the number of blades proves effective in preventing stagnation
and mitigating head losses. As the blade count increases, the low-pressure zone on the suction side
at the inlet gradually elevates, leading to non-uniform pressure distribution, in contrast to the
uniform distribution observed at the diffusion side. It was observed that the pump head maintains
proportionality with the number of blades within specific limits. Exceeding these limits may give
rise to undesirable phenomena such as cavitation and pressure stagnation.

Gamal R.H. Abo Elyamin, Et. Al. [6] performed a computational analysis on a centrifugal pump
to explore the impact of varying the number of impeller blades on the pump's performance. Three
distinct impellers, featuring 5, 7, and 9 blades respectively, were subjected to numerical testing to
identify the optimal blade count at a rotational speed of 2800 rpm. The investigation revealed that
augmenting the number of blades reduces the pitch ratio, promoting better flow guidance within
the channels and minimizing the likelihood of energy stratification formation, commonly known
as Jet/Wake. However, it was observed that an increase in blade number also leads to higher
friction losses, particularly in decelerating channels with increased pressure gradient. Secondary
loss, induced by channel vorticity and corresponding energy stratification, contributes to the
Jet/Wake distribution. Mixing losses tend to decrease with an increase in blade number up to a
certain limit, after which they start increasing again due to the growing number of impeller
channels. The study concluded that the most efficient configuration was achieved with 7 blades.

Khin Cho Thin, Et. Al. [7] address both the design and performance evaluation of a centrifugal
pump, this study focuses on a single-stage end suction centrifugal pump. The analysis reveals that
the disk friction coefficient rises proportionally with the augmented angle of the modified outlet
sections of disks. The impact of the geometric parameters of the disks is observed to influence the
angular velocity of the developed system. In the context of centrifugal pumps, the delivery head is
contingent on the flow rate, establishing a crucial relationship known as pump performance.

Xiangdong Han, Et. Al. [8] conducted a comprehensive investigation through a combined
approach of numerical simulation and experimentation, varying both the blade wrap angle and
blade exit angle to determine the optimal design for a centrifugal pump impeller. The blade wrap
angles were set at 122°, 126°, and 130°, while the blade exit angles were 24°, 26°, and 28°. The
findings indicated that the impeller featuring a blade wrap angle of 126° and a blade exit angle of
24° exhibited superior performance. This impeller demonstrated the most uniform distribution of
static pressure and relative velocity, with smooth streamlines and the absence of vortices.
Furthermore, in comparison to other impellers, the best impeller exhibited the smallest distribution
scope of turbulent kinetic energy across all flow rate conditions.

A Syam Prasad, Et. Al. ’s [9] paper addresses the static and dynamic analysis of a centrifugal
pump impeller composed of three distinct alloy materials (namely, Inconel alloy 740, Incoloy alloy
803, Warpaloy) for performance estimation using ANSYS and CATIA Software. The minimum
Von Mises stress for the impeller was observed in the material Inconel alloy 740, along with the
maximum frequency. The material Inconel alloy 740 also exhibited the highest specific modulus
at 27.46 MPa, whereas Incoloy alloy 803 and Warpaloy registered specific moduli of 24.83 MPa
 5

and 25.44 MPa, respectively. Comparative analysis of the impeller's performance across the three
alloys revealed that Inconel alloy 740 outperformed Incoloy alloy 803 and Warpaloy in terms of
maximum Von Mises stress, natural frequency, and specific modulus.

Santosh Shukla, Et. Al. [10] compared the performance traits of four different materials (Copper
alloy, Bronze, Stainless steel and Titanium alloy) to minimize the stress developed and
deformation. The CATIA-generated 3D model of a mixed-flow pump impeller blade underwent
analysis for von Mises stress and deformation using ANSYS 11.0, applying consistent loading and
support conditions. The findings unequivocally suggest that Titanium alloy emerges as a viable
construction material for the blades, as it exhibited minimal deformation (at the tip) and the least
von Mises stress (at the base).

Ul-Hamid, Et. Al. [11] have done the failure analysis impeller blade and based on the
investigation, it was concluded that the impeller blade's failure mode resulted from corrosion
fatigue, influenced by a combination of inadequate heat treatment, exposure to a corrosive
environment, and heightened stresses due to vibrations. The failure is ascribed to the improper heat
treatment, making the material unfit for deployment in a sulfur-induced corrosive setting.
Furthermore, the substantial vibrations in the compressor system generated elevated stresses,
contributing to the fatigue failure of an already embrittled impeller blade. The improper heat
treatment and the presence of sulfur collectively contributed to a shortened fatigue life of the
impeller blade.

John S. Anagnostopoulos [12] Implemented a numerical methodology for computing the flow
field in a centrifugal pump impeller and predicting pump performance curves, validated against
experimental and statistical data with promising results. The proposed flow simulation algorithm
is advantageous for hydrodynamic design in hydraulic pumps and turbines, offering the ability to
pinpoint optimal design variables at low computational cost. While a more detailed calibration
may require 3D simulation, this faster modeling approach serves as an efficient starting point for
optimization to identify the region of maxima.

Kay Thi Myaing, Et. Al. [13] conducted the design and analysis of an impeller blade for a
centrifugal blower using SolidWorks, including calculations for impeller, shaft, and casing design,
followed by simulation in SolidWorks Flow Simulation Analysis. The theoretical design
calculations and simulation results indicated a pressure distribution of 108.23 kPa theoretically
and 101.642 kPa numerically at the impeller output. The theoretical and numerical output
velocities were approximately 76.22 m/s and 94.111 m/s, respectively. Temperature distribution
calculations yielded 309.21 K and 301.13 K in simulation results. The percentage error for the
centrifugal blower results is 6% in pressure, 19% in velocity, and 3% in temperature distribution.
Notably, changes in flow rate directly influence pressure and velocity distribution inside the
impeller of the centrifugal blower.

Ahmed Ramadhan, Et. Al. [14] have conducted an analysis on the impact of varying impeller
blade angles in an axial pump, focusing on pressure fluctuations through time and frequency
domain investigations. Findings indicate that turbulent kinetic energy decreases and axial flow
velocity reduces with an increase in blade angle. Tangential velocity is notable near the blade tip,
 6

while radial velocity decreases. Pressure fluctuations at monitoring point 1 exhibit a consistent
pattern with four peaks and valleys across different flow rates. The 60° impeller blade angle is
identified as superior due to lower-negative-pressure regions. Results emphasize the significant
influence of impeller blade angle and unsteady flow on pressure fluctuation amplitudes.

[Link], Et. Al. [15] have designed impeller blades by varying the type of. Simulation is
done only for the impeller blade and the cover part, whereas the front and rear shrouds and hub
portions are simply modeled. A forward, backward, and radial analysis is done by varying the
number of blades to 4,8 and 12 steps. Hence, from the results, we conclude that Backward blade
simulation causes the least amount of stress, deformation, and strain when compared with other
types. Thus, the paper studies how an increase in the number of blades in the Backward flow is the
best design for high head and low stress.

2.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Past papers explore the designing and analysis of a centrifugal pump with respect to only
a single or two parameter(s) and applying in-depth theory and testing surrounding it.
However, with our paper, we prepare to understand various parameters in a more vivid
manner by varying the speeds and material of the blade as well. This contrast will help us
to achieve a more thorough understanding of the construction of an impeller as well as its
working when we simulate it using ANSYS.

2.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES

We begin our project by designing the impeller of the centrifugal impeller pump using
Fusion 360. After this, we use several parameters to test the performance of the blade at
various different rotational velocities and obtain a safe rotational velocity of the material.
We also aim to obtain the optimal material after a thorough analysis on the two different
materials.

2.4 SUMMARY

The papers cited above discuss the various methods of construction an impeller pump by
changing the parameters crucial to its build. We first talk about the working of a centrifugal
pump and its operation. We understand that Head is the most commonly used measurement
of energy and applies to any liquid at the same rated capacity and speed. Pressure varies
depending on the fluid properties and that pumps can be run in series to increase head or
in parallel to increase capacity. We then talk about the construction of the impeller by
varying the blade wrap angle and number of blades. The pump is tested and analyzed using
the parameters of rotating velocities and overlapped with parameters such as pressure
distribution, stress, and geometrical parameters too, able to get the best test cases to
construct the pump and use the pump.
 7

CHAPTER 3
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECT

3.1 METHODOLOGY OF THE PROJECT

This project was divided into two parts; the design of the centrifugal pump impeller and
then testing this design using ANSYS.
The design was obtained via a 2D model and was converted to a 3D design using Fusion
360. The file was then exported to ANSYS as a STEP file to perform tests. The materials
selected for the blade were structural steel and grey cast iron. A structural analysis was
then performed on ANSYS for the specimen at 1000, 1500 and 2000 RPM. We studied the
deformation, Von-misses stresses, and principal strain in the impeller at above mentioned
speeds. The results thus obtained helped us to conclude a safe rotational velocity and the
better material for the construction of the impeller.

3.2 DESIGN OF IMPELLER

The model of the impeller was supported from a 2D design which helped us model a figure
for the 3D design in Fusion 360. The following 2D design was taken as a reference:

Fig 3.1 2D Model of Impeller Pump

 8

The 3D model was thus achieved using tools such as revolve, extrude, hole, sketch, etc. on
Fusion 360 to get the model required. The keyway slot as shown in the figure was changed
into a simple hole as it was unnecessary and structurally damaging to the figure.

Fig. 3.2 Front View of Impeller Fig. 3.3 Side view of Impeller

Fig. 3.4 Top-Front Edge View of Impeller Fig. 3.5 Top-Back Edge View of Impeller
 9

Hence, the 3D model was obtained on Fusion 360. This file is then exported to a STEP file
and imported to ANSYS Workbench 2023 R2.

3.3 ANALYSIS OF IMPELLER

To analyze the structure of the impeller, we first consider the type of test to be performed
as static-structural. Next, using the engineering data we select our materials, i.e., Grey Cast
Iron and Structural Steel. After this we model the impeller and make sure that the materials
selected are the ones applied to the components and then Mesh the structure.
Rotational velocity is set to the required speed and the solution set is selected to contain
the results of deformation, stresses and principal strain. The parameters of velocity and
material type are changed to get the results of the performance of the impeller.

3.3.1 Structural Steel:

At 1000 rpm:

Deformation

Fig. 3.6 Deformation of SS at 1000 rpm

 10

Von-misses Stress

Fig. 3.7 Equivalent Stresses of SS at 1000 rpm

Principal Strain

Fig. 3.8 Maximum Elastic Strain of SS at 1000 rpm

 11

At 1500 rpm:
Deformation

Fig. 3.9 Deformation of SS at 1500 rpm

Von-misses Stress

Fig. 3.10 Equivalent Stresses of SS at 1500 rpm

 12

Principal Strain

Fig. 3.11 Maximum Elastic Strain of SS at 1500 rpm

At 2000 rpm:

Deformation

Fig. 3.12 Deformation of SS at 2000 rpm

 13

Von-Misses Stress

Fig. 3.13 Equivalent Stresses of SS at 2000 rpm

Principal Strain

Fig. 3.14 Maximum Elastic Strain of SS at 2000 rpm

 14

3.3.2 Grey Cast Iron:

At 1000 rpm:
Deformation

Fig. 3.15 Deformation of CI at 1000 rpm

Von-misses Stress

Fig. 3.16 Equivalent Stresses of CI at 1000 rpm

 15

Principal Strain

Fig. 3.17 Maximum Elastic Strain of CI at 1000 rpm

At 1500 rpm:

Deformation

Fig. 3.18 Deformation of CI at 1500 rpm

 16

Von-misses Stress

Fig. 3.19 Equivalent Stresses of CI at 1500 rpm

Principal Strain

Fig. 3.20 Maximum Elastic Strain of CI at 1500 rpm

 17

At 2000 rpm:
Deformation

Fig. 3.21 Deformation of CI at 2000 rpm

Von-misses Stress

Fig. 3.22 Equivalent Stresses of CI at 2000 rpm

 18

Principal Strain

Fig. 3.23 Maximum Elastic Strain of CI at 2000 rpm

 19

3.4 RESULTS

3.4.1 Structural Steel:

1000 RPM 1500 RPM 2000 RPM

Deformation MIN 0 0 0
(mm) MAX 0.0021611 0.0048625 0.0086444
Von-Misses MIN 5.449 x 10-5 13.485 x 10-5 21.796 x 10-5
Stresses (MPa) MAX 10.119 22.767 40.474
Maximum MIN -1.6326 x 10-7 -3.6734 x 10-7 -6.5305 x 10-7
Principal Elastic MAX 5.2894 x 10-5 11.901 x 10-5 21.158 x 10-5
Strain

Table 3.1 Comparison of Structural Steel’s Properties at its Upper and Lower Limits

3.4.2 Grey Cast Iron:

1000 RPM 1500 RPM 2000 RPM

Deformation MIN 0 0 0
(mm) MAX 0.0032424 0.0082073 0.014591
Von-Misses MIN 3.7695 x 10-5 8.481 x 10-5 15.077 x 10-5
Stresses (MPa) MAX 9.4032 21.157 37.613
Maximum MIN -2.9344 x 10-7 -6.6024 x 10-7 -11.738 x 10-7
Principal Elastic MAX 8.9682 x 10-5 20.178 x 10-5 35.873 x 10-5
Strain

Table 3.2 Comparison of Grey Cast Iron’s Properties at its Upper and Lower Limits
 20

CHAPTER 4
CONCLUSIONS

4.1 CONCLUSIONS

Our project was based on determining the relatively better material(cast iron and structural steel)
for the design of a Centrifugal Pump Impeller as well as stating the safe rotational velocity under
which the performance of the impeller doesn’t faulter, i.e., is structurally sound.

After designing the impeller using CAD, we analyzed the performance scenario of the impeller by
processing under the parameter of Deformation, Von-misses stresses, and Maximum Principle
Elastic Strain. Using ANSYS, the following parameters were tabulated at 1000, 1500 and 2000
rpm.

Evidently, both for Cast Iron and Structural Steel as the rotational velocity increased, we saw an
increase in deformation, stress and strain. However, it became clear, that upon comparison under
any velocity, structural steel remains more stable and resists any sort of deformation as well as
displaying lower stresses and strains. Hence it can be said that structural steel is the more optimal
material to choose here.

We also observe that although materials undergo some level of deformation and instability, even
at rotational velocities of 2000 rpm, the material doesn’t become severely damaged. Hence, we
can say that any rotational velocity up to 2000 rpm is safe for the proper functioning of the
impeller.

To summarize, we modelled a working model of an impeller using CAD. We then used ANSYS
to determine that structural steel is the better material and is safe to use up to a rotational velocity
of 2000 rpm.
 21

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