Overview of Industrial and Rocket Turbopump Inducer Design

Abstract

High performance inducers for rocket turbopumps and industrial low suction pressure pumps have been designed frequently during the past century. Some design lore has evolved to guide this design process; additionally, some detailed flow observations have been made which shed light on the basic flow process. Design methods have been recommended during the past decades to guide inducer design. This paper reviews some of the design methods, some of the flow observations, and some of the design practice which is used for inducer design. The purpose of this review is to bring together a good portion of prior art and focus it from a modern designer's perspective. Some suggestions for future improvements are provided. A useful overview of current design practice is given which should provide guidance to current inducer pump design.