FEA analysis using Creo 1.0 and Pro/Mechanica. Featured product is a backward incline, centrifugal impeller. Customer noticed slight blade bending upon start-up for high-speed operation. Model has a centrifugal load applied with a single constraint set. Multiple linkage joints replaced the modeled rivets with mocked fasteners.
The analysis verified that the blades would approach just over yield (blue color represents less than yield) but not reach ultimate stresses (red color). Field results coincided with virtual analysis.
Increasing the blade thickness would lead to a larger centrifugal force acting on the blade, resulting in a higher likelihood of rivet failure. The second image shows the effects of adding an external reinforcement rod, selected as the best possible solution to strengthen the impeller design without increasing blade weight.
