Numerical Simulation and Analysis of the Effect of Anti-Vortex Ribs on Axial Force in Turbopump Balance Pistons

Through three-dimensional steady-state numerical simulations and orthogonal experimental design, this study systematically investigates the influence of anti-swirl ribs with varying structural parameters on flow characteristics and axial force within turbopump balance pistons. The flow domain of the turbopump balance piston in a liquid rocket engine is selected as the research object for 3D steady-state numerical simulation, revealing the impact of anti-swirl ribs on internal flow patterns. An orthogonal experimental scheme is designed to evaluate the differential effects of rib width, height, and quantity on axial force. The introduction of anti-swirl ribs significantly alters the internal flow characteristics of the turbopump balance piston. After implementing anti-swirl ribs, the internal flow patterns become more complex, with increased vortex generation in the rotor-stator disk gaps that enhances energy dissipation. This subsequently modifies the internal pressure distribution, leading to notable changes in axial force-achieving up to a 14. 3% reduction in axial force within the leakage channel. Among the selected structural parameters of anti-swirl ribs, their influence on axial force, ranked from highest to lowest, is as follows: width, height, and quantity. The first two parameters show ranges of 4. 6 times and 3. 5 times the corresponding results for the quantity of anti-vortex ribs, respectively. Through optimized anti-swirl rib parameter design, this study improves the operational characteristics of balance pistons, thereby enhancing turbopump stability. The findings provide valuable references for performance optimization of liquid rocket engine turbopumps.