Parametric computations of three-dimensional turbulent flow in a high-speed centrifugal compressor backswept impeller were performed.
Computational results for local and integral characteristics were compared with data of widely known experiments.
The tip-clearance width, varied in the present computations, has a small influence on overall performance. Efficiency is overpredicted, and the outlet-to-inlet pressure ratio is underpredicted in all the cases computed.
The best agreement between the measured and computed velocity fields was achieved when the tip-clearance value was set to 50% of the value measured in the experiments under non-rotating impeller conditions.