TURBOMACHINERY AEAS : 305

TURBOMACHINERY LECT-3

COURSE OUTCOMES (CO)

 GAIN KNOWLEDGE : CLASSIFICATION AND APPLICATION OF
TURBOMACHINES

: THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF AXIAL AND

RADIAL FLOW COMPRESSORS AND TURBINES

: PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS INFLUENCING

OPERATION OF TURBOMACHINES

: UNDERTSAND INSTABILITIES OF
COMPRESSOR OPERATION AND METHODS TO ARREST
INSTABILITIES
 REFERENCE BOOKS LECT-3

Name of Book Author

Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Propulsion Hill and Peterson

Gas Turbine Engine H Cohen, GFC Rogers, HIH Saravanamuttoo

Turbines, Compressors and Fans S M Yahya, Fourth Edition

Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics of S L Dixon, Pergamon Press, 1996

Turbomachinery

Principles of Turbomachinery Seppo A. Korpela, Wiley Publications

Fundamentals of Turbomachinery BK Venkanna

Aircraft Propulsion : Science of making thrust to fly Bhaskar Roy

 VIRTUAL LECTURE – 1

 In this lecture, we studied

Turbomachine
 Types of Turbomachines
 Difference between Positive Displacement Machine and
Turbomachine
 Velocity Diagram of Axial Flow Compressor
 VIRTUAL LECTURE – 2

 In this lecture, we will study

Thermodynamics
 Basic Definitions
 Laws of Thermodynamics
 Types of System
 Types of Process
 Nozzle and Diffusers
 Energy Equations
 VIRTUAL LECTURE – 3

 In this lecture, we will study

 Numericals on Ideal Engine Cycle and Component Performance

 VIRTUAL LECTURE – 4

 In this lecture, we studied

 Numericals on Real Engine Cycle

 VIRTUAL LECTURE – 5

 In this lecture, we will study

 Dimensional Analysis and Performance Parameters

 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
AND
PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Purpose

 Performance of an actual machine (prototype) can be predicted

with the aid of simple and inexpensive tests on model. Physical
conditions of a prototype can be simulated in a model by keeping
the values of some dimensionless parameters (π-terms) the same in
both; however, following types of similarities must be satisfied :-
 Geometric Similarity
 Kinematic Similarity
 Dynamic Similarity

 Dimensional Analysis of problems in turbomachines identifies the

variable involved and groups them into non-dimensional quantities
much lesser in number than the variables themselves
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Purpose

 In a design problem or performance test, these non-dimensional

quantities or dimensionless parameters are varied instead of the
large number of parameters forming these groups. As a result, there
is great / large convenience and economy in test runs provided by
employing this technique i.e. design procedures uses these
dimensional numbers to obtain maximum efficiency

 Dimensional Analysis gives an idea of the type of machine and its

range of operation

 Presentation of these performance of a machine is also

considerably simplified by adopting non-dimensional numbers
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Principles of Similarity
(a) Geometric Similarity
- Ratios of the linear dimensions and the shape of the bodies in the
model and prototype are shape; values of individual dimensional are
immaterial
- Geometric variables are :-
- blade chord (l)
- blade pitch (s)
- blade height (h)
- rotor diameter (D)
- blade thickness (t)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Principles of Similarity
(a) Kinematic Similarity
- Ratios of velocities are the same in the model and prototype
regardless of the individual values

- Gives similar velocity triangles in both (model & prototype)

- Kinematic variables are :-
- blade velocity (u = πDN/60)
- flow velocity (cx or cr)
- isentropic gas velocity (cs)
- rotational speed (ω, N)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Principles of Similarity
(a) Dynamic Similarity
- Ratios of the various forces should be same regardless of the
individual values
- Dynamic variables affecting the performance of turbomachine
are :- - gas density (ρ)
- dynamic viscosity (μ)
- bulk modulus (k)
- pressure difference (∆p)
- forces (L, D, Fy , Fx)
- power (P)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Buchingham’s π-theorem
 π- theorem states that, in a given problem, if the number of variables is “n” , the
greatest number of non-dimensional groups / dimensionless numbers (also known
as π- terms) is given by equation
π=n-k ,
n= total no. of variables (independent + dependent variables)
k ≤ m, m = no. of primary dimensions; Assume k = m

Variables

Dependent Variables Independent Variables

- Efficiency (η) - Dimensions of m/c : s,l,h,D
- power (P) - Operational Speed : N,c
- Flow rate - Characteristics of fluid : ρ,μ
- Q = volume flow rate(incompressible flow)
- ṁ = mass flow rate (compressible flow)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Buchingham’s π-theorem
 Primary quantities are mass (M), Length (L), time (T) and temperature (θ). Other
quantities are derived from them
 For e.g.
- If y1,y2,y3 = 3 dependent variables
- x1,x2,x3,x4,x5 = 5 independent variables = m=k
- n = 3 + 5 = 8 (total variables)
- and if three primary functions (M,L,T) are involved
- π = n – k = 8 – 3 = 5 terms
- No. of π terms are five and can be expressed functionally by the following relation
- π1, π2 = f(π3, π4, π5)

 Selection of π- terms on LHS or RHS depends on the behavior of a given m/c

 RHS = control variables whose variation will automatically vary terms on the LHS
 Some control variables in turbomachines are :-
 Mass flow rate (ṁ) : Pumps/Fans/Blowers/Compressors
 Load/power output(P) : Hydro, Steam, Gas & Wind Turbines
 Speed (N) : Pumps/Fans/Blowers/Compressors & Propellers
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

 Dependent variables are :-
- (gH) : Head
- P : Power
- η : Efficiency
 Dependent variables are function of following variables :-
- rotor speed (N)
- rotor diameter (D)
-discharge or volume flow rate (Q)
- fluid density (ρ)
- Fluid viscosity (μ)
- Characteristics length(s, l, h) or length ratios (s/l, h/l)
 gH , P, η = f ( N, D, s/l, h/l, Q, ρ, μ) ……(1)
- now s/l, h/l and η = are non-dimensional variables and are not taken into account
for applying the π-theorem because they are already dimensionless numbers
- Total variable (n) = 7
- Primary dimension (k) = 3, therefore π = n-k = 7-3 = 4 terms
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

 gH , P, η = f ( N, D, s/l, h/l, Q, ρ, μ) ……(1)
- π = n-k = 7-3 = 4 terms
- π1, π2 , η = f(π3, π4, s/l, h/l) ………………. (2)
 Power (P) = f (N,D, s/l, h/l, gH, Q, ρ, μ, η)
P = (constant) [(gh)a x Qb x μc x ρd x Ne x Df ) ……………….. (3)
Power = Nm/s = (Kg.m/s) .(m/s) = ML2T-3
Q = Volume Flow rate = m3 /s = L3T-1
(gH) = head = (m/s2).(m) = L2T-2
ρ = density = kg/ m3 = ML-3
N = rpm = T-1
D = diameter = L
μ= viscosity = Pa.s = (N/ m2).s = (kg.m/ s2).(s/ m2) = ML-1T-1
Eqn (3 ) becomes
P = ML2T-3 = (constant) [(L2T-2 )a x (L3T-1)b x (ML-1T-1)c x (ML-3)d x (T-1)e x Lf )…….(4)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

 P = ML2T-3 = (constant) [(L2T-2 )a x (L3T-1)b x (ML-1T-1)c x (ML-3)d x (T-1)e x Lf )…….(4)
 Equating indices of M. L,T on both sides
1 = c + d , therefore d = 1-c ….(5)
2 = 2a+3b-c-3d+f, therefore e = 3-2a-b-c …….(6)
-3 = -2a-b-c-e, therefore f = 5-2a-3b-2c………..(7)
Putting values of d,e,f into eqn(3), we get
P = (constant) [(gh)a x Qb x μc x ρ1-c x N3-2a-b-c x D5-2a-3b-2c)….(8)
P = (constant) [(gh)a x Qb x μc x (ρ/ ρc) x (N3 / (N2a.Nb .Nc ) x (D5 / (D2a.D3b .D2c)
P = [(gh)/(N2D2)]a x [(Q)/(ND3)]b x [(μ)/(ρND2]c x ρ x N3 x D5 ……… (9)
Rearranging the above equation in four groups with indices 1,a,b and c, we get
P/ (ρ x N3 x D5 ) = [(gh)/(N2D2)]a x [(Q)/(ND3)]b x [(μ)/(ρND2]c …..(10)
More general form is :-
P/ (ρ x N3 x D5 ) = f [ (gh)/(N2D2) , (Q)/(ND3) , (ρND2)/(μ)] ……(11)
Where last term is reciprocal of Reynolds Number (Re)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

 P/ (ρ x N3 x D5 ) = f [ (gH)/(N2D2) , (Q)/(ND3) , (μ)/(ρND2) ] …. (11)

Equation (11) gives the dimensionless numbers / terms

 π1 = (gH)/(N2D2) = Head Coefficient

 π2 = (Q)/(ND3) = capacity & flow Coefficient

 π3 = P/ (ρ x N3 x D5 ) = Power coefficient

 π4 = (ρND2)/ μ = Reciprocal of Reynolds Number

 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

Head Coefficient
π1 = (gH)/(N2D2) = Head Coefficient ….. (12)
For incompressible flow , ρ = const
gH = ∆p/ ρ ….(13)
We know , ND α u ………(14) u = peripheral speed of the rotor blades
(gH)/(N2D2) α (gH/μ2) α ∆p/(ρ.μ2 ) …………(15)
Ψ = gH/ μ2 = loading coefficient …………(16)
both have same values
Ψ’ = ∆p/(ρ.μ2) = pressure coefficient …..(17)

Ψ” = ∆p/(1/2.ρ.μ2) = pressure coefficient (in some literature)….(18)

Ψ, Ψ’, Ψ” are proportional to the head coefficient

 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

Capacirty Coefficient and Flow Coefficient
π2 = (Q)/(ND3) = Capacity Coefficient ….. (19)
We know , ND α u , where u = peripheral speed of the rotor blades

The discharge is given by continuity equation as :-

Q = cx A;
cross sectional area A is made up of two linear dimensions which are proportional to
the diameter D.
A α D2 and Q α cx D2
Converting above into dimensionless quantities, we get
ND3 α (ND). D2 α u.D2, therefore
π2 α (Q)/(ND3) α (cx D2)/(uD2) α cx /u
Quantity cx /u is known as flow coefficient
ф = cx /u = flow coefficient is proportional to capacity coefficient…...(20)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

Power Coefficient
π3 = P/ (ρ x N3 x D5 ) = Power coefficient …. (21)
Derivation
Power Coefficient = Head Coefficient x Capacity Coefficient
π3 = π1 x π2 ……… (22)
π3 = (gH)/(N2D2) x (Q)/(ND3)

we know Power = head x mass flow rate

P = ρQ(gH) …. (23), therefore this putting value of power in eqn(22), we get
π3 = P/ (ρ x N3 x D5 ) …. (24)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

Reynolds Number
π4 = (ρND2)/ μ = is proportional to the ratio of inertia and viscous force
Derivation
π4 = (ρND2)/ μ = ρ(ND).D2 / (μ.D)
ND α u α c
D2 α A
Dαl
π4 = (ρAc)/(μ.l) α (ρAc2)/ (μ.l.c) α Inertial force / Viscous force …. (25)
Eqn (25) is well known fluid dynamic parameter – the Reynolds Number (R e) which has
already been defined
Re= (ρAc2)/ (μ.l.c) = (c.l)/(μ/ρ) = c.l/v

π4 = (ρND2)/ (μ) = (ND).D/(μ/ρ) = uD/v

Re= uD/v ….. (26)

 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

Specific Speed (Ns)

(Ns)(Specific Speed)

(Nsp) (NsT)
(pumps, fans, compressors) (Turbines)

More dimensionless numbers can be obtained from combination of the π-term

π5 = (π2)1/2 [(Q)/(ND3)]1/2 NQ1/2
------ = -------------------- = ------ ……………….(27)
(π1)3/4 [(gH)/(N2D2)]3/4 (gH)3/4

In eqn(27), linear dimension D is eliminated. Eqn (27) can be applied to geometric

similar machines of all sizes
π5 = Nsp = (NQ1/2 )/ (H)3/4 .....(28) (g is constant)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

π5 = Nsp = (NQ1/2 )/ (gH)3/4 .....(28) (g is constant)

π6 = (π3)1/2 [P/ (ρ x N3 x D5)]1/2

------ = ------------------------
(π1)5/4 [(gH)/(N2D2)]5/4

NsT = π6 = 1 √P
----------- x --- x N ………..(29)
ρ1/2 g5/4 H5/4

Power specific speed = can be obtained by dropping term 1

----
ρ1/2 g5/4
√P
NsT = --- x N ……………………. (30)
H5/4
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

NsT = π6 = 1 √P
----------- x --- x N ………..(29)
ρ1/2 g5/4 H5/4

NsT = √P
--- x N ……………………. (30)
H5/4

π5 = (π2)1/2 [(Q)/(ND3)]1/2 NQ1/2

------ = -------------------- = ------ ……………….(27)
(π1)3/4 [(gH)/(N2D2)]3/4 (gH)3/4

π5 = Nsp = (NQ1/2 )/ (gH)3/4 .....(28)

Eqn(27) is dimensionless; whereas eqn (28) is not
Eqn(29) is dimensionless; whereas eqn(30) is not
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Incompressible Flow Machine

 Importance of Specific Speed

 Value of specific speed at maximum efficiency point is a useful

guide in designing and selecting turbomachines for a given
conditions

 It is useful in selecting type (axial, radial and mixed) of pumps,

turbines, compressors, fans, blowers- because each type has
almost a well defined range of the specific speed scale
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Compressible Flow Machine

 Dimensional analysis for compressible flow machines differs from

the incompressible flow machines in following factors:-
(a) Q (Volume flow rate) continuously changes for a given mass flow rate.
- therefore Q is replaced by ṁ
- ṁ remains constant in steady flow
(b) γ : ratio of specific heat is also independent parameter
(c) gH (head term) is replaced by ∆p0 or (p01/p0r = pr)

(d) In compressible flow, elasticity of the gas is an important parameter

a01 = √(γR T01)

(e) Gas density and temperature varies in compressible flow machines – their
values at the entry are taken
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Compressible Flow Machine

For incompressible flow

gH , P, η = f ( N, D, s/l, h/l, Q, ρ, μ) ……(Refer eqn-1)

For compressible flow

P01 / P02 , P , η = f (N, D, s/l, h/l, ṁ, ρ01 , μ, γ, a01 ) ……… (31)

Now in above eqn(31), P01 / P02 , η, s/l, h/l, ṁ, γ are dimensionless quantities
n = total no. of variable = 7
k =3
π = n-k = 4 = four π-terms
Eqn(31), becomes
P01 / P02 , π1, η = f (π2,π3 ,π4 , s/l, h/l, γ ) ………… (32)
OR
P01 / P02 , P/ (ρ01 x N3 x D5) , η = f (ρ01 x N x D2 / μ , ṁ/ ρ01 x N x D3, ND/ a01 , s/l, h/l, γ)
..(33)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Compressible Flow Machine

For compressible flow eqn(33) .. How?
P01 / P02 , P/ (ρ01 x N3 x D5) , η = f (ρ01 x N x D2 / μ , ṁ/ ρ01 x N x D3, ND/ a01 , s/l, h/l, γ)
..(33)
pr0 , P , η = g(D, s/l, h/l, ṁ, N, a01 , ρ01 , μ, γ, )

π1 , π2 , η = g (s/l, h/l, γ, π3 , π4 )
Power = P = (constant) x (ṁa x μb x a01 c x ρ01 d x Ne x Df )……… (34)
P = ML2T-3 = (constant) x[(ML-1 )a x (ML-1T-1)b x (LT-1)c x (ML-3)d x (T-1)e x Lf
1 = a +b + c , therefore , d = 1-a-b
2= -b-3d+c+f, therefore, f= 5-3a-2b-c
-3 = -a-b-c-e, therefore, e= 3-a-b-c
putting values of d, e,f into eqn(34) we get
Power = P = (constant) x (ṁa x μb x a01 c x ρ01 1-a-b x N3-a-b-c x D5-3a-2b-c )
P = (constant) x [(ṁ/ ρ01 ND3)a x (a01/ND)b x (μ/ρ01 ND2) c ]x ρ01 x N3 x D5 …… (35)
P/ ρ01 x N3 x D5 = constant x [(ṁ/ ρ01 ND3)a x (a01/ND)b x (μ/ρ01 ND2) c ] ……….(36)
therefore , π1 = π2a x π3b x π4c
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Compressible Flow Machine

P/ ρ01 x N3 x D5 = constant x [(ṁ/ ρ01 ND3)a x (a01/ND)b x (μ/ρ01 ND2) c ] ……….(36)
therefore , π1 = π2a x π3b x π4c

In eqn(36),
a01/ND = is reciprocal of dimensionless speed parameter

ṁ/ ρ01 ND = is dimensionless mass flow rate

μ/ρ01 ND2 = is reciprocal of Reynolds Number, therefore eqn (36) can be rewritten

P/ ρ01 x N3 x D5 = (ṁ/ ρ01 ND)a x (ND/a01)b x (ρ01 ND2 / μ) c

Therefore,

P01 / P02 , P/ ρ01 x N3 x D5 , η = f (ρ01 ND2 / μ , ṁ/ ρ01 ND, s/l, h/l, ND/a01 , γ)…..(37)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Non-Dimensional Groups : Compressible Flow Machine

(a) Pressure Ratio = π1 = p01 / p02 ………(38)

Isentropic process = (p02/p01)γ-1/γ = T02s /T01 = (pr0)γ-1/γ

or (T02s/T01)γ/γ-1 = p02 /p01 = pr0 = f(pr0)

For compressor ηc = (T02s - T01/T02 - T01) = T01 (pr0)

ηc = f(pr0)

For turbine ηT = (T01 - T02/T01 - T02s) = ∆T0 /[T01 (1- pr0- γ-1/γ)
ηT = f(pr0)

Therefore, Pr0 = f (η,∆T0 )………. (39)

 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Non-Dimensional Groups : Compressible Flow Machine

(b) Dimensionless Speed Parameter= π2 = ND/a01………(40)
Eqn(40) defines a rotor blade Mach number based on the velocity of the sound at the
entry
ND α u ,
π2 α u/ a01
Mb01 = u/ a01 ………………(41)
now, a01 = √(γR T01), therefore, π2 = D . N
---- ---
√γR √T01
Now for the same machine and gas , D is constant and can be dropped
----
√γR
Therefore, Dimensionless speed parameter is
π2 α N
---- ……… (42)
√T01
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Non-Dimensional Groups : Compressible Flow Machine

(b) Dimensionless Mass-Flow Parameter= π3 = ṁ/ ρ01 ND3………(43)
π3 = capacity or flow coefficient

Now for perfect gas, ρ01 = (p01 /R T01 )

π3 = ṁ . R. T01 / ρ01 .(ND).D2 = ṁ.√R T01 √R T01

------------ x -------- ……..(44)
p01 . D2 ND

Now a01 = √(γR T01) or √R T01 = a01 / √γ , putting this into eqn(44), we get

π3 = ṁ . R. T01 / ρ01 .(ND).D2 = ṁ.√R T01 a01 1

------------ x -------- x ------- …….(45)
p01 . D2 ND √γ

Now we know ND/a01 = π2 and γ are already dimensionless group

 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Non-Dimensional Groups : Compressible Flow Machine

π3 = ṁ . R. T01 / ρ01 .(ND).D2 = ṁ.√R T01 a01 1
------------ x -------- x ------- …….(45)
p01 . D2 ND √γ

Now we know ND/a01 = π2 and γ are already dimensionless group

Another π-term is obtained by their combination with π3 in eqn(45)
π4 = √R x ṁ.√ T01
---- ---------- …………..(46)
D2 p01
√R
---- = constant for same machine and gas and can be dropped
D2
π4 α ṁ.√ T01
---------- …………..(47)
p01
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Non-Dimensional Groups : Compressible Flow Machine

π4 α ṁ.√ T01
---------- …………..(47)
p01
Dimensionless mass flow rate parameter in compressible flow machine also defines a
“flow Mach number” (Mx0)
ṁ α ρ01 . cx . D2 α ρ.A.V
p01 = ρ01 . R. T01 , putting these values into eqn (46) we get
π4 α √R ρ01 . cx . D2 .√ T01
--- x ---------------------
D2 ρ01 .R. T01
π4 α cx cx
----------- α ----- = Mx0 …………(48)
√γ.R. T01 a01
cx u
Axial flow Mach Number ----- = Mx0 and ------ = Mb01 (from eqn-41)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Non-Dimensional Groups : Compressible Flow Machine

0 = Mx0 cx
---- = --- = flow coefficient …….. (49)
Mb0 u

(c) Power Coefficient

π5 = P/ ρ01 x N3 x D5 ………. (50)
P= ṁ. cp . ∆T0 = ṁ. ∆w (∆w = specific work)…..(51)
From eqn(43) i.e. π3 = ṁ/ ρ01 ND3 or ṁ = π3 . ρ01 ND3

Therefore, P= ṁ. cp . ∆T0 = π3 . ρ01 ND3 . cp . ∆T0

P= π3 . ρ01 ND3 . ∆w …………… (52)

Therefore, eqn(50) and eqn(52) together give

π3 . cp . ∆T0 π3 . ∆w
π5 = ---------- = ----- …………………………(53)
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Non-Dimensional Groups : Compressible Flow Machine

(c) Power Coefficient
π5 cp . ∆T0 ∆w ∆w
π6 = ---------- = ----------- = ------ α ----- = loading coefficient..(54)
π3 N 2 D2 N 2 D2 u2
∆w
Ψ = ----- = loading coefficient …………(55)
u2
(d) Reynolds Number (Re)

ρ01 ND2 ρ01 (ND)D ρ01 .u.l

--------- = -------------- α ------------
μ μ μ
- Reynolds Number is an important parameter for small pumps, compressors, fans
and blowers. Their performance improves with an increase in Reynolds number
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

SUMMARY
Incompressible Flow Machine Compressible Flow Machine

 π1 = (gH)/(N2D2) = Head Coefficient  ṁ/ ρ01 ND3 =Mass Flow

 π2 = (Q)/(ND3) = capacity & flow Coefficient  ND/a01 = Speed Parameter

 π3 = P/ (ρ x N3 x D5 ) = Power coefficient  P/ ρ01 x N3 x D5

 π4 = (ρND2)/ μ = Reciprocal of Reynolds Number  ρ01 ND2 / μ

 Nsp = (NQ1/2 )/ (gH)3/4 or π5 = (NQ1/2 )/ (H)3/4

√P N √P
 NsT = ----------- x --- or π6 = ---- x N
√ρ g5/4H5/4 H5/4
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Performance of Compressors & Turbines

Performance of Turbines
Assuming perfect gas, the performance of gas turbines is described by

p01 ṁ√T01 , N
----- = f --------- ----
p02 p01 √T01

The choking line shows that the turbine

chokes when flow Mach number becomes unity.
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Performance of Compressors & Turbines

Performance of Compressors
Assuming perfect gas, the performance of compressible flow device(compressors) is
described by

p02 ṁ√T01 , N
----- = f --------- ----
p01 p01 √T01

Such device experience a surge on the positive slope

slide of the characteristics curves. Therefore, a limiting line
(surge line) is drawn through points where the slope
Changes from negative to positive.
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Performance of Compressors & Turbines

Performance of Compressors
The stage loading or pressure coefficient for a 50% reaction stage of an axial
compressor is shown in Fig-1. This is the ideal curve without stage losses. The actual
characteristic curve can be obtained from this by accounting for losses.

Fig-1 : Variation of pressure coefficient with

flow coefficient for an Axial Flow Compressor Stage
 AEROSPACE PROPULSION LECT-5

Performance of Compressors & Turbines

Performance of Compressors
-Fig-2 compares the efficiencies and specific speed ranges. Rotary type positive
displacement compressor has lowest efficiency and specific speed ranges & this is clear
from the definition of the specific speed for compressors given in eqn (27) or (28).
-Since this type of compressor develops higher pressure(∆p or H) and handles smaller
flow rate (Q), it must have lower values of specific speed.
- Axial flow stages handle very high flow rates at comparatively much lower pressures
(heads). Therefore, this gives higher values of
the specific speed to the axial flow machines.
These machines have the highest efficiencies.

Fig-2 : Variation of Efficiency of Comp

with specific speed (types and Ranges)
TURBOMACHINERY Lect- LECT-5
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 LECT-5
VIRTUAL LECTURE – 5

 In next lecture we will study…..

 Dimensional Analysis and Performance Parameters