applied

sciences
Article
A Numerical Study on the Distribution and Evolution
Characteristics of an Acoustic Field in the Time
Domain of a Centrifugal Pump Based on Powell
Vortex Sound Theory
Chang Guo, Jingying Wang * and Ming Gao *
School of Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China; gg3263@163.com
* Correspondence: wjy_sdu@sdu.edu.cn (J.W.); gm@sdu.edu.cn (M.G.); Tel.: +86-531-8839-9008 (M.G.)




Received: 27 October 2019; Accepted: 18 November 2019; Published: 21 November 2019


Abstract: The acoustic field distribution and evolution characteristics in a time domain inside a
centrifugal pump are studied. During the fluid motion process, the acoustic source and acoustic
pressure are basically less than 0, and the minimum value of the two parameters is distributed near
the tongue. Additionally, the concentration, break, extend, migration and reaggregation phenomena
of the minimum acoustic source region exist. Specifically, as the blade passes through the tongue,
the minimum acoustic source region concentrates on the tongue firstly, then extends and migrates
downstream slightly with the blade motion, and aggregates again around the tongue, which results
in the similar evolution characteristics of acoustic pressure. Moreover, the standard deviation (STD)
of acoustic source mainly focuses near the pressure side of blade tail and volute tongue, and the
maximum STD is located at the tongue. Compared with the source component induced by stretching
of the vortex, the source component induced by non-uniformity of fluid kinetic energy is closer to
the overall acoustic source. Take the tongue as an example, at various rotational speeds, the STD
proportions of the two components are about 5% and 95%, respectively. This study discusses the
generation, distribution and evolution characteristics of acoustic field, which lays a foundation to
analyze the acoustic field propagation mechanism of centrifugal pumps.

Keywords: vortex sound theory; acoustic field; standard deviation; centrifugal pump; numerical study

1. Introduction
Nowadays, turbomachinery plays a pivotal role in many fields of national economy [1–3]. As parts
of turbomachinery components, centrifugal pumps have been widely applied for water supplying
system, cooling system, agriculture irrigation system, and so on. However, the hydraulic performance
and human health are affected by flow-induced noise during operation. Thus, the noise generation,
distribution characteristics and noise reduction technology have attracted wide attention.
In the past, experiments have been conducted for the centrifugal pump noise analysis, and valuable
conclusions were obtained [4–7]. However, it was difficult for the experimental method to identify the
acoustic source accurately and analyze the coupling between flow and acoustic fields, by comparison,
the numerical simulation approach was an ideal method to solve these issues. With the improvement
of the Lighthill equation, a hybrid numerical method combining Lighthill acoustic analogy theory
with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was widely used for flow-induced noise calculation [8–11].
According to the hybrid method, when the flow field simulation was completed, the wall pressure
fluctuation in time domain was extracted and transformed into dipole acoustic source, then the noise
signal in frequency domain was obtained. Based on the hybrid method, scholars explored the noise
changing trend under different operation conditions, noise distribution characteristics, and the effect

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018; doi:10.3390/app9235018 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 2 of 18

of different pump structures on noise [12–15]. Liu et al. [16] also compared the influence of different
dipole sources on acoustic calculation results. Gao et al. [17], Liu et al. [18] revealed the noise radiation
directivity characteristics with different dipole sources, respectively.
However, the Lighthill acoustic analogy theory assumed that the acoustic source generated by the
flow was known beforehand, the flow and acoustic fields were separated, so the theory could not explain
the sound wave generation and propagation mechanism, etc. [19]. With the development of research,
Powell, Howe [20,21], proposed the vortex sound theory, which made up for this deficiency, and it
was applied to acoustic research gradually [22,23]. By using Green function, the analytical solution of
the equation could be derived to solve the noise signal in time domain at a certain monitoring point.
Liu et al. [24], Ouyang et al. [25] and Wang et al. [26] applied the analytical solution to aerodynamic
noise computation of fans and noise directivity characteristics analysis of submerged jet, respectively.
By summarizing the current research results, it is seen that the main concern is the effect of
operation condition and pump structure on the noise distribution characteristics, while the acoustic
field propagation mechanism in centrifugal pumps is rarely involved. According to synergy principle
of flow and acoustic fields [27], the flow and acoustic fields synergy could affect the acoustic field
propagation characteristics. Analyzing the propagation characteristics of acoustic field of centrifugal
pumps is beneficial for the research about the directional noise reduction. To analyze the propagation
characteristics of sound wave in centrifugal pumps based on synergy principle by using CFD, the basic
and crucial step is to solve the parameters of flow and acoustic fields simultaneously, and figure out
the temporal distribution and evolution characteristics of acoustic field.
However, the analytical solution of vortex sound equation based on Green function is used for
noise calculation at a certain monitoring point, which is not suitable for noise calculation in the whole
field. Obviously, the numerical approach based on discretizing and solving the vortex sound equation
in the whole field [28] is the main method to figure out this issue.
In current work, the effectiveness of the simulation approach is firstly verified by corresponding
experiment. Then the distribution and evolution characteristics of acoustic field inside a centrifugal
pump are analyzed under various operation conditions. This study could guide the further research
about the propagation mechanism of acoustic field.

2. Computational Model and Solving Method

2.1. Flow Field Solver

The sketch of the centrifugal pump model and the model parameters are presented in Figure 1
Appl.
and Sci. 2019,
Table 1, 9,respectively.
x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 19

Figure 1. Sketch of the centrifugal pump model.

Figure 1. Sketch of the centrifugal pump model.

Figure 2 shows the mesh system view which contains 2124594 tetrahedral elements after
conducting grid independence analysis [28]. In addition, Fluent 6.3 is used for the simulation. Table
2 summarizes the relevant settings used in the simulation of flow filed. The detailed inlet and outlet
boundary conditions are illustrated in Figure 1. The pre-converged steady simulation results are
adopted as an initial condition for the unsteady simulation. The time step of flow field satisfies the
 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 3 of 18

Table 1. Model parameters of the centrifugal pump.

Parameter Value
Inlet diameter 80 mm
Impeller diameter 250 mm
Outlet diameter 50 mm
Rated rotating speed 2900 rpm
Rated flow rate 50 m3 /h
Design head 80 m
Figure
Blade 1. Sketch of the centrifugal pump model.
number 6

Figure 2 shows the mesh system view which contains 2124594 tetrahedral elements after
Figure 2 shows the mesh system view which contains 2124594 tetrahedral elements after conducting
conducting grid independence analysis [28]. In addition, Fluent 6.3 is used for the simulation. Table
grid independence analysis [28]. In addition, Fluent 6.3 is used for the simulation. Table 2 summarizes
2 summarizes
the relevant thesettings
relevant settings
used in the used in theof
simulation simulation
flow filed.ofThe
flow filed. The
detailed inlet detailed
and outletinlet and outlet
boundary
boundary conditions
conditions are illustrated
are illustrated in Figure 1.inThe
Figure 1. The pre-converged
pre-converged steady simulationsteady simulation
results are adopted results
as an are
adopted ascondition
initial an initialforcondition for simulation.
the unsteady the unsteadyThesimulation. The time
time step of flow step of the
field satisfies flow field satisfies
impeller rotation the
impeller ◦
anglerotation
of 2 perangle of 2°inper
time step thetime step
process ofin the process
unsteady of unsteady simulation.
simulation.

Figure
Figure 2. 2. Sketchofofthe
Sketch thecentrifugal
centrifugal pump
pumpmesh.
mesh.
Table 2. Relevant settings of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

Steady Simulation Unsteady Simulation

Viscous model k-ε model
Motion type Moving Reference Frame Moving Mesh
Inlet Velocity inlet
Outlet Outflow
Walls No slip boundary conditions
Pressure-velocity coupling algorithm SIMPLE
Discretization principle Second order upwind
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 4 of 18

2.2. Acoustic Field Solver

In the process of sound propagation, the time of media compression and expansion is much
shorter than that of heat conduction, the media has no time to exchange heat with the adjacent part,
so the sound process is assumed to be isentropic [27,29]. Additionally, the media used in the centrifugal
pump is water, the kinematic viscosity is very small and can be neglected in calculation [30]. Under the
inviscid and isentropic condition, the Powell vortex sound equation is.

1 ∂2 p 2 → → u2
− ∇ p = ∇ · ( ρ ( ω × u ) + ∇ ( ρ )) (1)
c20 ∂t2 2

The vortex sound equation comprises of time, spatial and source items from left to right.
During the unsteady simulation process of acoustic field, the inlet and outlet surfaces are set to
be absorption boundary conditions, and the total reflection boundary condition is applied to the rest
boundaries. The absorption boundary and total reflection boundary conditions are defined as [31].

1 ∂p →
+ ∇p · n = 0 (absorption boundary condition) (2)
c0 ∂t

p = 0 (total reflection boundary condition) (3)

To solve Equation (1), the intermediate variable “q” is introduced. The Equation (1) can be
written as,
∂p
=q (4)
∂t
∂q → → u2
= c20 ∗ (∇ · (ρ( ω × u ) + ∇(ρ )) + ∇2 p) (5)
∂t 2
The Equations (4) and (5) are solved based on implicit finite volume method [28]. To ensure the
rationality of the initial conditions, the initial conditions are defined as [28],

qinitial = 0, pinitial = 0 (6)

where qinitial and pinitial represent the initial values of acoustic field. Figure 3 shows the calculation flow
chart of flow and acoustic fields. In this study, the various rotational speed condition study is carried
out to reveal the changing rules of the acoustic field distribution characteristics.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 19
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 5 of 18

Figure 3. The calculation flow chart of flow and acoustic fields.

Figure 3. The calculation flow chart of flow and acoustic fields.
3. Test Facilities and Procedures
3. Test Facilities and Procedures
In order to validate the effectiveness of the simulation approach, corresponding tests are carried
out. In
Figure 4 shows
order the test
to validate theloop. This test loop
effectiveness of theissimulation
made up byapproach,
the test pump, motor, frequency
corresponding converter,
tests are carried
valve,
out. flow meter,
Figure 4 shows hydrophone, water
the test loop. Thistank,
test etc.
loopThe flow-induced
is made up by thenoise
testinpump,
outlet motor,
pipe is frequency
measured,
and various
converter, operation
valve, conditions
flow meter, are obtained.
hydrophone, Table
water tank, etc.3 The
listsflow-induced
the performance
noisecharacteristics
in outlet pipe of
is
relevant apparatuses.
measured, and various operation conditions are obtained. Table 3 lists the performance
characteristics of relevant apparatuses.
Table 3. Performance characteristics of apparatuses.
Table 3. Performance characteristics of apparatuses.
Apparatus Type Range Accuracy or Sensitivity
Apparatus
Hydrophone Type
DHP8501 Range
20–20 kHz Accuracy or Sensitivity
−210 dB (sensitivity)
±1.5 dB (accuracy)
USB switch / /
−210 dB (sensitivity)
/
Hydrophone DHP8501 20–20 kHz
Noise analysis software / / ±1.5 dB(accuracy)
/
USBmeter
Flow switch /
SLDG-800 / m3 /h
0–100 /0.2%
(accuracy)
Noise analysis software / / /
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 19

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 0.2% 6 of 18

Flow meter SLDG-800 0–100 m3/h
(accuracy)

Figure
Figure 4.
4. Test
Test loop
loop diagram.
diagram.

4. Results
4. Resultsand
andAnalysis
Analysis

4.1. Verification
4.1. Verification of
of the
the Numerical
Numerical Simulation
Simulation Approach
Approach
The flow-induced
The flow-inducednoisenoiseobtained
obtainedby by
experiment
experimentand and
simulation is compared
simulation to verifytothe
is compared accuracy
verify the
of the approach. Figure 5a–c depicts the Acoustic Pressure Level (APL) distribution
accuracy of the approach. Figure 5a–c depicts the Acoustic Pressure Level (APL) distribution characteristics
in broadband in
characteristics range at several
broadband rotational
range speeds.
at several It is speeds.
rotational revealedIt that with the
is revealed increase
that with the ofincrease
frequency,
of
the fluctuating downward trend of APL obtained by simulation and experiment
frequency, the fluctuating downward trend of APL obtained by simulation and experiment is similar is similar at various
rotational
at speeds. speeds.
various rotational
Table 44further
Table compares
further compares the deviation of flow-induced
the deviation noise between
of flow-induced noise simulation and experiment
between simulation and
in detail. It was found that the deviation between experiment and numerical
experiment in detail. It was found that the deviation between experiment and numerical simulation simulation is small,
the
is average
small, deviations
the average of APL at
deviations of characteristic frequencies
APL at characteristic and Total
frequencies andAcoustic Pressure
Total Acoustic Level (TAPL)
Pressure Level
(TAPL) at various rotational speeds are about 3.68% and 1.07%, respectively. The analysis results of5
at various rotational speeds are about 3.68% and 1.07%, respectively. The analysis results of Figure
and Table
Figure 4 manifest
5 and the effectiveness
Table 4 manifest of the approach.
the effectiveness of the approach.

Table 4.
Table The deviation
4. The deviation of
of flow-induced
flow-induced noise
noise obtained
obtained by
by experiment
experiment and
and simulation.
simulation.

Rotational
Rotational Speed
Speed Flow-Induced
Flow-Induced Experiment
Experiment SimulationSimulation Deviation
Deviation
(%)
(rpm) Noise (dB) (dB)
(rpm) Noise (dB) (dB) (%)
APL
APL(f(fb )b) 150.55
150.55 142.66
142.66 −5.24%−5.24%
2100 APL (2fb ) 120.56 117.67 −2.40%
2100 APL (2fb) 120.56 117.67 −2.40%
TAPL 171.18 169.22 −1.15%
TAPL 171.18 169.22 −1.15%
APL (fb ) 150 160.35 6.90%
APL (f
APL (2fb )
b) 150
131.13
160.35
126.24 −3.73%
6.90%
2500
2500 APL
TAPL (2fb) 131.13
174.48 126.24
172.07 −1.38%−3.73%
TAPL 174.48 172.07 −1.38%
APL (fb ) 152 156.33 2.85%
2900 APL(2f(fbb))
APL 152
136.41 156.33
135.13 −0.94%2.85%
2900 APL
TAPL (2fb) 136.41
181.82 135.13
180.57 −0.69%−0.94%
TAPL
Note: 181.82 frequency. 180.57
fb represents the blade-passing −0.69%
Note: fb represents the blade-passing frequency.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 7 of 18
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180

Numerical simulation results

Experimental results
150

120

APL (dB)
90

60

30

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Frequency (Hz)
(a) 2100 rpm
180

Numerical simulation results

Experimental results
150

120
APL (dB)

90

60

30

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Frequency (Hz)
(b) 2500 rpm
180
Numerical simulation results
Experimental results
150

120
APL (dB)

90

60

30

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Frequency (Hz)
(c) 2900 rpm
Figure 5.
5. The
TheAcoustic
AcousticPressure Level
Pressure (APL)
Level distribution
(APL) characteristics
distribution obtained
characteristics by experiment
obtained and
by experiment
and simulation. simulation.

4.2. The
4.2. The Distribution
Distributionand
andEvolution
EvolutionCharacteristics
Characteristicsof Acoustic FieldField
of Acoustic in Time Domain
in Time at Rated
Domain Operation
at Rated Condition
Operation
Condition
In this section, the distribution and evolution characteristics of acoustic field in time domain
inside
Inthe
thispump at 2900
section, the rpm are studied.
distribution and The study time
evolution span is oneofperiod
characteristics of blade
acoustic field passing
in time through
domain
inside the pump at 2900 rpm are studied. The study time span is one period of blade passing through
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 19
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 8 of 18

the volute tongue, which includes 30 time steps of flow field. The middle span surface of volute is
chosen
the as the
volute studywhich
tongue, surface.
includes 30 time steps of flow field. The middle span surface of volute is
chosen as the study surface.
4.2.1. The Distribution and Evolution Characteristics of Acoustic Source
4.2.1. The Distribution and Evolution Characteristics of Acoustic Source
Figure 6 presents the acoustic source distribution characteristic. Basically, the acoustic source is
less than
Figure0.6The regions
presents the near thesource
acoustic outlet distribution
of impeller,characteristic.
inlet of volute and volute
Basically, tonguesource
the acoustic have islower
less
acoustic
than source
0. The thannear
regions anythe others,
outletand the minimum
of impeller, inlet ofacoustic
volute andsource is located
volute near the
tongue have lowertongue.
acousticIn
addition,
source theany
than concentration,
others, andbreak, extend, migration
the minimum and reaggregation
acoustic source is located nearevolution phenomena
the tongue. of the
In addition,
minimum
the acousticbreak,
concentration, sourceextend,
regionmigration
exist duringand the fluid motion.evolution
reaggregation Specifically, when theofblade
phenomena is located
the minimum
at the tongue
acoustic source (Time
region step
exist =during
10), the
the blade-volute
fluid motion. tongue interaction
Specifically, when the intensity
blade is is the strongest,
located at the tonguethe
minimum
(Time = 10), thesource
step acoustic region tongue
blade-volute concentrates on theintensity
interaction tongue.isSubsequently,
the strongest, the
the minimum acoustic
source region
source regionconcentrates
initially concentrated on the
on the tongue. tongue breaks,
Subsequently, then extends
the minimum and migrates
acoustic downstream
source region initially
concentrated on the tongue breaks, then extends and migrates downstream slightly with the blademove,
slightly with the blade away from the tongue (Time step = 20). As the blade continues to away
another
from the blade
tonguemoves step =to20).
(Time close theAstongue (Time
the blade step = 30),
continues the minimum
to move, acoustic
another blade source
moves closeregion
to the
aggregates
tongue (Timeagain = 30),the
step near thetongue.
minimum acoustic source region aggregates again near the tongue.

(a) Time step = 10

(b) Time step = 20

Figure 6. Cont.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 9 of 18
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(c) Time step = 30

Figure 6.
Figure Thedistribution
6. The distributionand
andevolution
evolution characteristics
characteristics of
of acoustic
acoustic source.
source.

According to
According to Powell
Powell vortex
vortex sound
sound equation,
equation, the
the acoustic
acoustic source
source consists
consists of
of two
two different
different
components, which represents respectively the stretching of the vortex caused by change of
components, which represents respectively the stretching of the vortex caused by change of velocity velocity
(Source-1) and
(Source-1) and the
thenon-uniformity
non-uniformityofof fluid kinetic
fluid energy
kinetic (Source-2)
energy [32].[32].
(Source-2) The standard deviation
The standard (STD)
deviation
is calculated to explore the fluctuation intensity of the acoustic source and the proportion of different
(STD) is calculated to explore the fluctuation intensity of the acoustic source and the proportion of
source components,
different and it is defined
source components, and it isas.
defined as.
2
v
tn P
u
2
( i Si −) S
u
u n 
S − S
u
i=i1=1
(7)
STD=
STD = n (7)
n
n
1
S = 1 S
n
(8)
S = n i =1 Si i
X
(8)
n
i=1
where Si represents the acoustic source at i-th time step, ̅ represents the average value of acoustic
where S represents the acoustic source at i-th time step, S represents the average value of acoustic
source ini one rotational period, n is the number of time step (n = 180).
source in one rotational period, n is the number of time step (n = 180).
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the STD distribution characteristics of the overall acoustic source and
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the STD distribution characteristics of the overall acoustic source and the
the two different acoustic source components, respectively. It was found from Figure 7 that the
two different acoustic source components, respectively. It was found from Figure 7 that the maximum
maximum STD inside the impeller is located near the pressure side of blade tail, while the maximum
STD inside the impeller is located near the pressure side of blade tail, while the maximum STD inside
STD inside the volute is located near the tongue, which is also the region with the largest STD inside
the whole
the volute pump.
is located nearmore,
What’s the tongue,
the STDwhich is also the
distribution region with the
characteristics largest
of two STD inside
different thesource
acoustic whole
pump. What’s more, the STD distribution characteristics of two different acoustic source
components are similar to those of overall acoustic source by comparing the Figures 7 and 8, and the components
are similar
STD to those
of Source-1 of overall
is lower thanacoustic source bybasically,
that of Source-2 comparing the Figures
which 7 and
means that 8, non-uniformity
the and the STD of Source-1
of fluid
is lower than that of Source-2 basically,
kinetic energy is the main noise source. which means that the non-uniformity of fluid kinetic energy is
the main noise source.
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Figure 7.
7. The
Figure
Figure The standard
7. The
standard deviation
standard deviation(STD)
deviation (STD) distribution
(STD) distribution characteristics
distribution characteristics
characteristicsof of overall
overall
of acoustic
acoustic
overall source.
source.
acoustic source.

(a)
(a) Source-1
Source-1 (b)
(b) Source-2
Source-2
8. The STD
FigureThe
Figure distribution characteristics of different acoustic source components.
Figure 8.
8. The STD
STD distribution
distribution characteristics
characteristics ofof different
different acoustic
acoustic source
source components.
components.
4.2.2. The Distribution and Evolution Characteristics of Acoustic Pressure
4.2.2.
4.2.2. The
The Distribution
Distribution and
and Evolution
Evolution Characteristics
Characteristics of
of Acoustic
Acoustic Pressure
Pressure
The distribution and evolution characteristics of acoustic pressure are presented in Figure 9.
The
The distribution
Similarly, the acoustic
distribution and
and evolution
pressure characteristics
is also
evolution of
of acoustic
less than 0 basically.
characteristics pressure
The acoustic
acoustic are
are presented
pressure
pressure in
in Figure
shows a decreasing
presented Figure 9.
9.
Similarly,
trend the
from acoustic
inlet topressure
outlet ofis also less
impeller, than
the 0 basically.
minimum The
value acoustic
of acoustic pressure
pressure
Similarly, the acoustic pressure is also less than 0 basically. The acoustic pressure shows a decreasing shows
is a decreasing
distributed
trend
trend from
near
fromtheinlet to
to outlet
volute
inlet tongue,of
outlet impeller,
ofthe the
the minimum
main noise
impeller, value
value of
region corresponding
minimum of acoustic pressure
to the main
acoustic is
is distributed
acoustic
pressure near
near the
source region.
distributed the
volute
volute tongue,
tongue, the
Moreover, the
the main
evolutionnoise
main noise region
region corresponding
trend of acoustic
corresponding to
pressure near thethe
to the main
tongue is acoustic
main acoustic source
source region.
region. Moreover,
similar to that of acoustic source.
Moreover,
the When the blade isoflocated at the tongue,near
the minimum acoustic pressurethatregion acoustic
focuses around the
the evolution
evolution trend
trend of acoustic
acoustic pressure
pressure near the the tongue
tongue is is similar
similar to to that of
of acoustic source.
source. When
When
the tongueis(Time
blade stepat= the
located 10). tongue,
The acoustic
the pressure near
minimum the tongue
acoustic increases
pressure significantly
region focuses with bladethe
around away
tongue
the blade
from
is located
the tongue
at the step
(Time
tongue, the minimum
= 20). Then thethe
acoustic
minimum
pressure
acoustic
regionregion
pressure
focuses around
refocuses
thethe
near
tongue
(Time
(Time step
step == 10).
10). The
The acoustic
acoustic pressure
pressure near
near the tongue
tongue increases
increases significantly
significantly with
with blade
blade away
away from
from
tongue due to another blade closing to the tongue (Time step = 30).
the tongue (Time step = 20). Then the minimum acoustic pressure region
the tongue (Time step = 20). Then the minimum acoustic pressure region refocuses near the tongue refocuses near the tongue
due
due to
to another
another blade
blade closing
closing toto the
the tongue
tongue (Time
(Time step
step == 30).
30).
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 11 of 18
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(a) Time step = 10

(b) Time step = 20

(c) Time step = 30

Figure
Figure 9.
9. The
Thedistribution
distributionand
andevolution
evolution characteristics
characteristics of
of acoustic
acoustic pressure.
pressure.
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4.3. The Distribution Characteristics of Acoustic Source and Pressure at Various Rotational Speeds
4.3. The Distribution Characteristics of Acoustic Source and Pressure at Various Rotational Speeds
Figures 10–12 show the distribution characteristics of acoustic source and STD of acoustic source,
Figures
as well 10–12 show
as acoustic the distribution
pressure under several characteristics of acoustic
low rotational speeds. source
It was and STD
found of the
that acoustic source,
distribution
as well as acoustic pressure under several low rotational speeds. It was found that the
characteristics of the three parameters at low speed conditions are similar to those at 2900 rpm. distribution
characteristics
However, the of thefluctuation
flow three parameters at low
intensifies withspeed conditions
increasing are similar
rotational speed,tosothose at 2900 rpm.
the minimum of
However, the flow
acoustic source fluctuation
decreases andintensifies with increasing
the fluctuation rotational
range extends speed, so the
characterized byminimum
the STD of acoustic
increasing
source decreases
gradually. and the fluctuation
Consequently, the minimum range
of extends
acousticcharacterized by the and
pressure decreases, STD the
increasing gradually.
fluctuation range
Consequently, the minimum of acoustic pressure decreases, and the fluctuation range extends gradually.
extends gradually.

(a) 2100 rpm (b) 2300 rpm

(c) 2500 rpm (d) 2700 rpm

Figure 10.
Figure 10. The distribution characteristics of acoustic source
source under
under various
various rotational
rotational speeds.
speeds.
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(a) 2100 rpm (b) 2300 rpm

(a) 2100 rpm (b) 2300 rpm

(c) 2500 rpm (d) 2700 rpm

(c) 2500 rpm (d) 2700 rpm
Figure 11. The distribution characteristics of STD under various rotational speeds.
Figure
Figure 11.
11. The
Thedistribution
distributioncharacteristics
characteristics of
of STD
STD under
under various
various rotational
rotational speeds.
speeds.

(a) 2100 rpm (b) 2300 rpm

(a) 2100 rpm (b) 2300 rpm
Figure 12. Cont.
 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 19
Appl. Sci. 2019,
Appl. Sci. 9, x5018
2019, 9, FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of
14 of 19
18

(c) 2500 rpm (d) 2700 rpm

(c) 2500 rpm (d) 2700 rpm
Figure 12. The distribution characteristics of acoustic pressure under various rotational speeds.
Figure
Figure 12.
12. The
The distribution
distribution characteristics
characteristics of
of acoustic
acoustic pressure
pressure under
under various rotational speeds.
various rotational speeds.
4.4. The Fluctuation Characteristics of Acoustic Source and Pressure Under Various Rotational Speeds
4.4. The Fluctuation Characteristics of Acoustic Source and Pressure Under Various Rotational Rotational Speeds
Speeds
Sections 4.2 and 4.3 reveal the overall distribution characteristics of acoustic source and pressure.
Sections 4.2 and 4.3 reveal the the overall distribution
distribution characteristics of of acoustic
acoustic source
source and
andpressure.
pressure.
However, it is difficultrevealto figureoverall
out the fluctuationcharacteristics
characteristics intuitively. Therefore, take the
However, ititisisdifficult
However, to to
figure outout
the the
fluctuation characteristics intuitively. Therefore, take the volute
volute tonguedifficult
as an example, figure fluctuation
the fluctuation characteristics
characteristics intuitively.
of the two parametersTherefore, take the
in one rotational
tongue tongue
volute as an example,
as an the fluctuation
example, the characteristics
fluctuation of the twoofparameters
characteristics the two in one rotational
parameters in one period are
rotational
period are revealed intuitively. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the two parameters present the same
revealed
period intuitively.
are revealed As shown
intuitively. in Figures 13 and 14, the two parameters present the same periodicity,
periodicity, and reach to crestAsand shown in Figures
trough 13 and 14, there
simultaneously, the twoareparameters
6 crests and present the same
troughs in one
and reach toand
periodicity, crestreach
and trough
to crestsimultaneously,
and trough there are 6 crests
simultaneously, and are
there troughs
6 in one
crests androtational
troughs period,
in oneof
rotational period, which corresponds to 6 blades in the pump. Meanwhile, the fluctuation ranges
which corresponds
rotational to 6 blades
period, which in the pump.
corresponds Meanwhile,
to 6 blades the fluctuation
in the pump. Meanwhile,ranges
theoffluctuation
the two parameters
ranges of
the two parameters widen simultaneously with increasing rotational speed.
widen
the twosimultaneously
parameters widen withsimultaneously
increasing rotational speed.
with increasing rotational speed.

0.00E+000
0.00E+000 2100 rpm
-2.00E+011
2100 rpm
2300 rpm
Acoustic source (kg•m •s )

-2.00E+011
Acoustic source (kg•m •s 3 ) -2

-4.00E+011 2300 rpm

2500 rpm
-2

-4.00E+011
-6.00E+011
2500 rpm
2700 rpm
3

-6.00E+011 2700 rpm

2900 rpm
-8.00E+011
2900 rpm
-8.00E+011
-1.00E+012
-1.00E+012
-1.20E+012
-1.20E+012
-1.40E+012
-1.40E+012
-1.60E+012
-1.60E+012
-1.80E+012
-1.80E+012
-2.00E+012
0 2900
-2.00E+012
0 30 27002900
30 60 )
Tim60 90 25002700 pm r
e d( )
Tim step90 2500 ee pm
sped (r
120 2300
e st 120 150 l
a e
ep 2300 i o n sp
150 180 2100
o taotnal
R ti
180 2100
R ot a
Figure 13.The
Figure13. Thefluctuation
fluctuationcharacteristics
characteristicsofofacoustic
acousticsource
sourceunder
undervarious
variousrotational
rotationalspeeds.
speeds.
Figure 13. The fluctuation characteristics of acoustic source under various rotational speeds.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 15 of 18
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 19

-100000
2100 rpm
-200000
2300 rpm
-300000 2500 rpm
Acoustic pressure (Pa) -400000 2700 rpm
2900 rpm
-500000

-600000

-700000

-800000
-900000
-1000000
-1100000 2900
0
30 2700
m)
60
Tim 90 2500
(rp
e step d
120 ee
2300
l sp
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 150 na 16 of 19
180 2100 t atio
Ro

Figure 14. The

Figure 14. The fluctuation
fluctuation characteristics
characteristics of
of acoustic
acoustic pressure
pressure under
under various
various rotational
rotationalspeeds.
speeds.
To reveal the main noise source quantitatively, the fluctuation characteristics of different source
To reveal the main noise source quantitatively, the fluctuation characteristics of different source
components, as well as the STD proportions at the volute tongue are studied. Figure 15 depicts the
components, as well as the STD proportions at the volute tongue are studied. Figure 15 depicts the
fluctuation curves of overall acoustic source, Source-1 and Source-2 at 2900 rpm. It is observed that
fluctuation curves of overall acoustic source, Source-1 and Source-2 at 2900 rpm. It is observed that
the fluctuation characteristics of Source-1 and Souce-2 are similar to that of overall acoustic source.
the fluctuation characteristics of Source-1 and Souce-2 are similar to that of overall acoustic source.
Compared with Souce-1, the fluctuation range of Source-2 is closer to that of overall acoustic source.
Compared with Souce-1, the fluctuation range of Source-2 is closer to that of overall acoustic source.
Figure 16 further compares the STD ratios of different source components to overall acoustic source
Figure 16 further compares the STD ratios of different source components to overall acoustic source
under various rotational speeds. The STD ratios have little change at different rotational speeds, the
under various rotational speeds. The STD ratios have little change at different rotational speeds,
STD ratios of Source-1 and Source-2 remain around 5% and 95%, respectively.
the STD ratios of Source-1 and Source-2 remain around 5% and 95%, respectively.

6.00E+011
4.00E+011 Overall Source
2.00E+011
Source-1(∇•(ρω×u))
0.00E+000
Source-2(∇2(ρu2/2))
Acoustic source (kg•m •s )
-2

-2.00E+011
3

-4.00E+011
-6.00E+011
-8.00E+011
-1.00E+012
-1.20E+012
-1.40E+012
-1.60E+012
-1.80E+012
-2.00E+012
0 30 60 90 120 150 180
Time step

Figure 15. The fluctuation curves of different acoustic sources

sources at
at 2900
2900 rpm.
rpm.

1.00

Source-1(∇•(ρω×u))
Source-2(∇2(ρu2/2))
0.95

0.90
Ratio
 -1.80E+012
-2.00E+012
0 30 60 90 120 150 180
Time step
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 16 of 18
Figure 15. The fluctuation curves of different acoustic sources at 2900 rpm.

1.00

Source-1(∇•(ρω×u))
Source-2(∇2(ρu2/2))
0.95

0.90
Ratio

0.10

0.05

0.00
2100 2300 2500 2700 2900
Rotational speed (rpm)

Figure
Figure16.
16.The
TheSTD
STDratios
ratiosof
ofdifferent
differentacoustic
acousticsource
source components
components under
under various
various rotational
rotational speeds.
speeds.

5. Conclusions
5. Conclusions
The effectiveness of the numerical simulation approach combining discretizing and solving the
Powell vortex sound equation with CFD is verified by experiment. Then the temporal distribution and
evolution characteristics of acoustic field inside a centrifugal pump are revealed, and various operation
condition study is conducted. The conclusion of this study is listed as follows,

(1) In the centrifugal pump, the acoustic source and acoustic pressure are less than 0 basically,
and the minimum value of the two parameters is distributed near the volute tongue.
Additionally, the concentration, break, extend, migration and reaggregation phenomena of the
minimum acoustic source region exist during the fluid motion process. Specifically, the minimum
acoustic source region concentrates on the tongue firstly, then extends and migrates downstream
slightly, and aggregates again near the tongue, which leads to the similar evolution characteristics of
acoustic pressure. Moreover, the distribution and fluctuation characteristics of the two parameters
have little change with increasing rotational speed, while the minimum value of the two parameters
decreases and the fluctuation range extends generally. The acoustic source distribution and evolution
are the fundamental causes of the acoustic pressure distribution and evolution.
(2) The maximum standard deviation (STD) of acoustic source inside the impeller is located near the
pressure side of blade tail, while that inside the volute is located near the volute tongue, which is
also the region with the largest STD of the whole pump. Compared with the STD of acoustic
source component induced by the stretching of the vortex caused by change of velocity (Source-1),
the STD of acoustic source component induced by the non-uniformity of fluid kinetic energy
(Source-2) is closer to that of overall acoustic source, which is the main noise source. Take the
volute tongue as an example, at different rotational speeds, the STD of Source-1 and Source-2
accounts for about 5% and 95%, respectively, which shows that the change of operation condition
has little effect on the proportions of different acoustic source components.

Briefly, the numerical simulation approach is suitable to calculate the parameters of flow and
acoustic fields simultaneously, then the generation, distribution and evolution characteristics of acoustic
field are revealed. The study lays a foundation to analyze the propagation mechanism of acoustic field
in centrifugal pumps.
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 5018 17 of 18

Author Contributions: C.G. conducted the simulation and experiment, and wrote the manuscript; J.W. and M.G.
reviewed and edited the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by Key Research and Development Project of Shandong Province, grant number
2019GSF109084 and Young Scholars Program of Shandong University (YSPSDU), No. 2018WLJH73. And the APC
was funded by Key Research and Development Project of Shandong Province.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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