Validation of Turbomachinery Computational Fluid Dynamic Models Using Laser Velocimetry

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) codes are powerful tools for flow field modeling. The codes, however, must be calibrated with data from actual flows if the predictions of the analysis are to be applied with confidence. Laser velocimetry is one method whereby the predictions of the codes can be anchored with accurate, noninvasive flow-field data. This paper explores the process from initial CFD concerns to the application of the velocimeter in the test facility.