Numerical Simulation of Flow Field and Rigidity Analysis for Runner Blade of Francis Turbine

Abstract

A self-designed HL200-LJ-200 Francis turbine was numerically simulated based on computational fluid dynamics to study the characteristics of internal flow field within it. Based on the pressure distribution of runner blade obtained by numerical simulation, the rigidity and strength of runner blade were analyzed by finite element method. The results showed the pressure variation of Francis turbine was concentrated in the area of the runner, the pressure of the volute inlet was the highest and the center of runner was the lowest, the maximum velocity in the flow field was mainly on the center of runner blade, and the average pressure and velocity increased as the volume flow rate increased. The turbulent kinetic energy and the vorticity of Francis turbine were both mainly distributed in the runner blade and stern pipe elbow area. The runner blade met the requirements of rigidity and strength. The results provided a theoretical basis for improving the performance and reliability of Francis turbines.