Design and CFD Simulation of Tesla Pump

Abstract

The need for high pump performance and efficiency continue to encourage the study of flow between two parallel co-rotating discs in multiple discs pump or turbine. Therefore, this study entails the design, construction and CFD simulation of a 3D Tesla pump model axisymmetric swirling flow in order to enhance the understanding of Tesla pump for future development.

Method of solution entails designing and construction of a small prototype tesla pump and then using the design geometry and parameters to design and perform numerical simulation.  The results of the numerical simulation were then analyzed.

The result obtained indicates static pressure to have minimum value of -4.7791Pa at the outlet and 13.777Pa at the pump inlet and with velocity magnitude having minimum velocity of 0.00m/s and maximum velocity of 4.12m/s. The strength of the velocity was seen to be very high at the pump outlet. The analysis radial velocity showed minimum value of -0.508m/s and maximum value of 3.981m/s with the radial velocity vector being concentrated at the discs periphery and outlet.

Model simulation results exhibited smooth pressure and velocity profiles.  With the 3D simulation all flow variables are able to be predicted.