Effects of the Leading Edge Shape on the Performance of an Axial Three Bladed Inducer

The paper illustrates the main results of an experimental campaign conducted using the CPRTF (Cavitating Pump Rotordynamic Test Facility) at Alta S.p.A. The tests have been carried out on two inducers which differ only in the blade leading edge shape. These inducers are axial, unshrouded, three-bladed pumps designed and manufactured by ALTA S.p.A. using a simplified analytical model for the prediction of geometry and noncavitating performance of typical space rocket inducers. The paper focuses on the differences due to the leading edge shape. In particular the pumping performance in both cavitating and non-cavitating conditions together with the flow instabilities have been analyzed and the differences due to the shape of the leading edge have been outlined and compared to those reported in previous publications.