Induced noise of impeller stuck and passive rotation state in multi-stage pump without power drive under natural flow conditions

The natural flow cooling strategy is commonly employed in modern high-speed vessels and nuclear-powered submarines. These vessels rely on the energy generated by their own speed to drive the cooling system and supply cooling water to the condenser. The circulating pump, which operates without a motor drive under natural flow conditions, is a large resistance component in the cooling system. However, it is also the primary noise source, significantly impacting the vessel’s safe operation and acoustic stealth performance. This study investigates the induced noise characteristics of a multi-stage pump under natural flow conditions by experiment, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and acoustic finite element method. The analysis encompasses the distribution of the flow field, variations in acoustic power, spectral features of flow-induced noise, and directivity of external field radiation noise under different natural flow conditions. The results show that the acoustic power distribution is correlated with the flow field. When the impeller is stuck, the noise sources primarily concentrate in the flow separation area at the blade’s leading edge, the interface area between the impeller and the guide vane, and the flow shock area inside the guide vane. Conversely, when the impeller rotates passively, the blade wake area has a higher acoustic power. The flow noise spectrum under natural flow conditions mainly exhibits broadband and discrete characteristics. Additionally, the pump structure influences the external field radiation noise, and its directivity varies with different flow rates and characteristic frequencies. This study provides valuable insights into optimal design to reduce the noise of the circulating pump in the vessel’s natural flow cooling system. It is essential for ensuring the safe operation and acoustic stealth performance of high-speed vessels and nuclear-powered submarines.