What material is commonly used to make the impeller of a centrifugal flow compressor?

The most commonly used material for making the impeller of a centrifugal flow compressor is forged aluminum alloy. This choice is primarily due to the favorable strength-to-weight ratio exhibited by aluminum alloys, which allows for the construction of lightweight components that can withstand significant centrifugal forces during operation.

Forged aluminum alloys can also be manufactured to have excellent structural properties and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for high-performance applications where durability and efficiency are critical. These alloys are capable of being machined to precise tolerances, allowing for the complex geometries often found in impeller designs to be achieved.

The other materials listed, while they have their specific applications, do not usually meet the demands required for centrifugal compressor impellers. For instance, stainless steel is heavier and may not provide the same efficiency in terms of weight and performance. Plastic composites and carbon fiber, while advanced materials, often lack the necessary thermal stability and mechanical properties at the elevated temperatures and pressures experienced in a centrifugal compressor environment. Thus, forged aluminum alloys remain the top choice for this component.