Abstract
A three dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes code is developed to analyze flowfields and performance of a vaned diffuser in a centrifugal compressor. It employs scalar implicit approximate factorization, finite volume formulation, second order upwind differencing and a two-equation $q-{\omega}$ turbulence model based on the integration to the wall. Pressure recovery and loss coefficients of a vaned diffuser are evaluated using a developed computer code. The simulated three dimensional flows show how through flow structure affects pressure recovery performance and loss coefficients of a vane for design and off-design inlet flow angles. Development of complex three dimensional flow over the inlet region and leading edge are very influential to the overall flow and performance.