Vista Software

PCA has developed software for turbomachinery analysis since 1990 and has since achieved a worldwide user-base. The software comprises a range of systems for the entire aerothermal design process for all types of turbomachines, including radial and axial machines, and compressible and incompressible flow.

1D Preliminary design

PCA has developed a range of tools for the preliminary design of axial and radial turbines, of axial and centrifugal fans and compressors , and of centrifugal pumps. All programs are easy and intuitive to use with with sound 1D semi-empirical methods based on decades of experience. They are well-validated and inexpensive and are the programs in daily use within PCA's consulting business.

  • VistaCCD for preliminary design of centrifugal compressors
  • VistaCCP for performance prediction of centrifugal compressors
  • VistaRTD for preliminary design of radial turbines
  • RITA for performance prediction of radial turbines
  • VistaCPD for preliminary design of centrifugal and mixed-flow pumps
  • VistaAFD for preliminary design of axial flow fans
  • VistaGT for preliminary design and analysis of gas turbine cycles
  • TPM for performance prediction of axial turbines
  • VistaSA for automated 3D FE analysis of blading, including root fixings
Integration in ANSYS ® CFX

The Vista programs are available as standalone tools. However, as part of an ANSYS-PCA joint strategy for software integration, VistaCCD, VistaAFD, VistaRTD and VistaCPD are integrated into ANSYS BladeModeler™ in ANSYS Workbench. The designer can use the Vista™ tools to achieve a 1D design to suit the prescribed duty of the machine and move seamlessly to a first-attempt 3D impeller geometry based on the 1D design. The aim is to reduce the time needed for a CFD-led turbomachine design by enabling the designer to achieve a reliable and correct 1D design before embarking on the more time-consuming 3D geometry modelling and CFD analysis.

2D Throughflow programs

Since 1990 PCA has developed the twin throughflow codes SC90T and SC90C for application to axial turbines and axial compressors respectively.  Both tools can be used in 'performance mode' or in 'quasi-design' mode and have a very wide range of functionality. More recently PCA has developed a more general streamline curvature solver, VistaTF, which is used for the analysis of centrifugal compressors, radial turbines and pumps.

 

Throughflow for axial turbines: SC90T's features include:

  • Semi-perfect gas properties
  • 'Fuel Library' for combustion gas composition of any hydrocarbon fuel
  • 'Fuel Library' for non-combusted gases
  • Wet-steam properties
  • Inbuilt loss and gas angle correlations
  • Spanwise mixing
  • Intra-bladerow calculating planes
  • Robustness and wide range of applicability

 

Throughflow for axial compressors: SC90C's features include:

  • Semi-perfect gas properties
  • Inbuilt loss and deviation correlations
  • Spanwise mixing
  • Modelling of annulus wall boundary layers
  • Bleed flows and variable stagger stators
  • Robust transonic capability
  • By-pass stream (as for aero-engine fans)
  • Automatic prediction of maps

 

General throughflow code: Vista TF


VistaTF is mainly used within PCA for radial and mixed-flow machines, both compressible and incompressible flow. It also includes some of the more popular correlations for axial compressors and turbines in common with SC90C and SC90T. The program is integrated into ANSYS Workbench, thus completing the perfect partnership of turbomachinery design tools in a single design system from preliminary design to throughflow to 3D modelling and CFD.


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