Lectures in Rotodynamic Pumps - from Design and Simulations to Testing

Abstract

Teaching in hydraulic machines at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Chair for Hydraulic Machinery and Energy Systems has a long tradition starting back in the nineteenth century. Numerous experimental test rigs are designed and novel measurement techniques are applied. Students have an ability to design, perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD), manufacture, and test pump units with the supervision of lecturers. This practical work, with concept "do it yourself", attracts students to develop their abilities in 3D geometry modeling, computational fluid dynamics, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and application of novel acquisition and data processing softwares. Parallel to this, they develop a piping system, which will be coupled with the assembled centrifugal pump and run the first test. Afterward, they are stimulated to connect the acquisition system with LabView software. They are supported to develop their own application for pump and hydraulic components testing and to perform the tests. The final stage is to integrate this installation in Go-Lab Sharing platform repository or at the Hydraulic machinery and Energy Systems Department website. The purpose of this educational approach is to have well educated students, not only with good theoretical background, but also with practical skills and engineering way of thinking. They have to be able to develop the operational pump hydraulic system, and not only a component.