Based on typical transonic centrifugal impeller with splitter blades

the numerical simulation results were analyzed and judged by the basic formula of shockwave. The existence of shockwaves in the flow passage of impeller was proved theoretically. Result shows that

the high-speed air flow easily formed shockwaves at the leading edges of the splitter blade and the main blade

and also at the flow channel between the suction surface of main blades and the pressure surface of splitter blades separately. The distribution characteristics of shockwave lines affected by the tip clearance and the working condition were compared

furthermore the energy loss of shockwave was analyzed. Result shows that

the position of shockwave lines move upstream with the decreasing flow rate at a constant tip clearance

the tip clearance makes the shockwave lines move to the downstream flow passage

and the strongest shockwave is generated at the leading edge of the splitter blades

leading to obvious energy loss.