Numerical simulation of the flow in hydraulic turbo machines, state of art and sources of mistake. Application to Francis Turbines

Abstract

This article puts into context the role of the methodology of numerical simulation, Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD), as the basic supporting tool in the design, optimization and analysis of hydraulic turbo machines process. Besides presenting a review of the state of art in this field, taking into account both steady and unsteady processes, sources of error, both modeling and numerical ones, found in the numerical simulation of hydraulic turbo machines are discussed. The different possible modeling strategies as well as their advantages and disadvantages, which are illustrated in the particular case of Francis Turbines, are also emphasized.