RE 322 TURBOMACHINES

Course Contents:
1. Introduction: Definition and classification of turbomachines.
2. Dimensional analysis of turbomachinery: Dimensional analysis and
dynamic similitude applied to turbomachinery, important
dimensionless groups.
3. Performance characteristics, specific speed, viscosity and scale
effects, Gordier diagram, cavitations parameters, machine selection.
4. Basic thermodynamics and fluid dynamics of turbomachinery:
Energy transfer in turbo machines, Euler turbo machinery equation,
absolute and relative velocities, velocity diagrams, approximate
blade shapes, impulse and reaction, degree of reaction, definitions
of efficiency.
 RE 322 TURBOMACHINES
Course Contents:
5. Axial flow hydraulic and gas turbines: turbine stage reaction and
efficiency, stage performance, torque-speed characteristics, losses,
loss correlations, efficiency prediction.
6. Axial flow pumps and compressors, fans and pumps: stage reaction,
stage loading, losses, overall performance and number of stages,
stall and surge blade element theory.
7. Centrifugal pumps, fans and compressors; head and pressure rise,
diffusion, slip factor, efficiency, and combination of machines with
pipes or ducts.
8. Radial flow hydraulic and gas turbines: thermodynamics of the 90
deg. IRF turbine losses, efficiency.
9. Students’ design presentations.
 RE 322 TURBOMACHINES
Recommended Books:
A. Munson, B. R., Young, D. F., & Okiishi, T. H. (1990). Fundamentals of fluid
mechanics (pp. 105-120). New York.
B. Gorla, R. S., & Khan, A. A. (2003). Turbomachinery: design and theory.
CRC Press.
C. Peng, W. W. (2008). Fundamentals of turbomachinery. John Wiley &
Sons.
D. Dixon, S. L. (2005). Fluid mechanics and thermodynamics of
turbomachinery. Butterworth-Heinemann.
E. Logan Jr, E. (1993). Turbomachinery: Basic theory and applications. CRC
Press.
 INTRODUCTION
Fluid machine:
A general term used for all devices/machines that handle fluids i.e liquids
and gases.
A general classification of fluid machines is as follows:
(i) Turbomachines: Generally known as rotodynamic machines. For
example, rotary pumps, compressors, fans, blowers and turbines.
(ii) Reciprocating machines: For example, reciprocating pumps and
compressors, i.e. positive displacement machines.
(iii) Various fluid lifting devices: For example, jet pumps, air lift pumps,
pulsometer pumps and hydraulic ram.
(iv) Pumps transmitting fluids (oil): Use fluids under pressure to operate and
control systems. For example, gear pumps, constant delivery and
variable delivery pumps, various applications and accessories relating to
fluid systems
 INTRODUCTION
Turbo machine:
❑General definition: A turbomachine is a device in which energy
transfer occurs between a flowing fluid and a rotating element due to
dynamic action and results in a change in pressure and momentum of
the fluid.
❑Principal components of turbomachine:
1. Rotor: Rotating element of a
turbomachine. It is fixed with blades or
vanes and also called the impeller or
runner depending upon the particular
machine.
 INTRODUCTION
❑Principal components of turbomachine:
2. Stationary element: (guide blade or nozzle)
The stationary element or guide blade is arranged depending upon
the kind of flow required. The stationary element is not a
compulsory part of every turbomachine. The ceiling fan is a
turbomachine and there is no stationary element.
3. Shaft
Either input shaft or output shaft or both may be necessary
depending upon the type of turbomachines. For example:
(a) Power absorbing turbomachine: only input shaft
(b) Power generating turbomachine: only output shaft
(c) Power transmitting turbomachine: both input and output shaft
 INTRODUCTION
❑Principal components of turbomachine:
4. Housing or Casing:
The housing is not a compulsory part of every turbomachine. When
the housing is present, it restricts the fluid so that it flows in a given
space and does not escape in directions other than those required
for energy transfer.
A turbomachine having housing is called enclosed machine and the
one having no housing is called extended machine.
 INTRODUCTION
❑Classification of Turbomachinery:
1. According to energy consideration:
(a) Turbomachines transferring rotor (mechanical) energy to fluid
energy, i.e. machines supply energy to the fluid as in pumps and
compressors.
(b) Machines transferring fluid energy to a rotor energy, i.e. machines
that extract energy from the fluid as in turbines (steam, gas, water).
2. According to the direction of flow
a) Radial flow:
e.g Centrifugal pumps, fans,
turbines and compressors
 INTRODUCTION
❑Classification of Turbomachinery:
2. According to the direction of flow
b) Axial flow: e.g Axial flow pumps, compressors, fans, and turbines

c) Mixed flow: e.g Francis turbine.

 INTRODUCTION
❑Classification of Turbomachinery:
2. According to the direction of flow
d) Tangential flow: e.g Pelton wheel
 INTRODUCTION
❑Classification of Turbomachinery:
3. According to the action of fluid on the moving blade
a) Impulse machines: Fluid energy is converted into impulsive force by
changing the direction of fluid as in a steam turbine (De-Laval) and
Pelton wheel.
b) Reaction machines:
The pressure energy of fluid continuously drops as
it flows over the blades and the velocity increases.
The fluid leaving the blades will exert a reactive
force in the backward direction of its flow. This
reactive force sets the blades in motion as in a
steam turbine (Parson’s reaction turbine), Francis
turbine, Kaplan turbine and Propeller turbine
 INTRODUCTION
❑Classification of Turbomachinery:
4. According to the type of fluid handled
a) Water : Examples: Pumps, hydraulic turbines
b) Steam : Example: Steam turbines
c) Air or gas : Examples: Fans, compressors, blowers, turbines.
DIMENSIONLESS PARAMETERS ANDTHEIR PHYSICAL
SIGNIFICANCE
A large number of variables are involved in describing the
performance characteristics of turbomachines. Because of these large
number of variables, more number of experiments have to be
conducted in a performance test.
It involves more time and the cost of design and experimentation will
be more too. In order to reduce time and cost, these variables are
grouped into non-dimensional quantities, which are less in number
(manageable number) than the variable themselves.
Then, in design or experimentation these non-dimensional quantities
are varied instead of the large number of parameters forming these
groups.
DIMENSIONLESS PARAMETERS ANDTHEIR PHYSICAL
SIGNIFICANCE
Dimensionless quantities also have two other advantages.
a) The prediction of a prototype performance from the tests
conducted on a scale model.
b) To find the most suitable type of machine on the basis of maximum
efficiency for a specified range of head, speed and flow rate.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
The technique or procedure used to get non-dimensional quantities is
known as dimensional analysis.
The dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique that deals with
the dimensions of the quantities involved in the process.
It is based on the assumption that the process can be expressed by a
dimensionally homogeneous equation with certain variables.
❑ Fundamental Quantities: ❑ Secondary or Derived Quantities:
Mass, length, time and temperature The quantities derived from
are called fundamental quantities fundamental quantities are called
since there is no direct relation derived or secondary quantities.
between these quantities. Some examples of derived quantities
are area, volume, velocity, force,
acceleration.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑Dimensional Homogeneity
An equation is said to be dimensionally homogeneous if the
fundamental dimensions have identical powers of M, L, T on both
sides. Let us take an example:

❑Methods of Dimensional Analysis

There are two main methods which are used for dimensional analysis:
1. Raylegh’s method
2. Buckingham’s 𝜋-theorem
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑Rayleigh’s method
Convenient only when number of parameters are few.
𝑌 = 𝑓 𝑋1 , 𝑋2 , 𝑋3 … = 𝐾 𝑋1 𝑎 , 𝑋2 𝑏 , 𝑋3 𝑐 , . .

Where:
Y Dependent variable;
X1 , X2 , X3 ,… Independent variables;
a,b,c… Obtained by applying principle of dimensional homogeneity
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑Rayleigh’s method
Using Raylegh’s method, prove that the drag force of a sphere exposed
to a stream of fluid is given by 𝐹𝐷 = 𝜌𝑉 2 𝐷2 𝑓(𝑅𝑒 )
Where: 𝜌 – fluid density, 𝑉 – velocity of fluid stream, 𝐷 – diameter of the
𝜌𝑉𝐷
sphere, 𝑅𝑒 - Reynold’s number =
𝜇

THIS WAS DONE IN THE CLASS

 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑Buckingham’s 𝝅-method
The Buckingham’s theorem states that if there are n variables
(independent and dependent variables) in a dimensionally
homogeneous expression (i.e. in a physical phenomenon) and if these
variables contain m fundamental dimensions (M-L-T), then the
variables are grouped into (n-m) non-dimensional independent terms.
Each term is called 𝝅 term.
Suppose a variable X1 depends upon independent variables X2 , X3 ,….Xn,
then the functional equation may be written as:
This can also be written as:
If these variables contain m fundamental dimensions, then according to
Buckingham’s 𝜋–theorem:
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Procedure for applying Buckingham’s 𝝅-theorem–theorem.
1. With the given data, write the functional relationship.
2. Write the equation in its general form.
3. Choose m repeating variables and write separate expressions for
each 𝜋 term, every 𝜋 term must contain the repeating variables and
one of the remaining variables. The number of repeating variables
is equal to the number of fundamental dimensions of the problem
Following points must be considered while selecting repeating
variables.
(a) As far as possible independent variables should be selected.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Procedure for applying Buckingham’s 𝝅-theorem.
(b) The selection should be in such a way that one variable contains the
geometric property (e.g length, diameter, thickness, etc) second
variable contains the flow property (e.g velocity, flow rate etc) and
the third variable contains the fluid property (density, viscosity etc)
Similarity:
For geometric similarity, the ratios of the linear dimensions and the
shape of the bodies in the model and prototype are the same, the
values of the individual dimensions are immaterial.
Kinematic similarity states that the ratios of velocities are the same in
the model and prototype regardless of the individual values. This gives
similar velocity triangles in both the model and prototype.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Procedure for applying Buckingham’s 𝝅-theorem.
In dynamic similarity the ratios of the various forces should be the
same regardless of the individual values

4. The repeating variables are written in exponential form.

5. With the help of dimensional homogeneity, find the values of a, b
and c, etc.
6. Now, substitute the value of these exponents in the 𝜋 terms.
7. Write the functional relation in the required form.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Dimensions of some physical quantities.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Application of dimensional analysis for general fluid flow.
Statement: Performance of turbomachines depends on the following
variables; Discharge (Q), Speed (RPM), Size or Diameter, Energy per
unit mass flow (gH), Power (P), Density of fluid (𝜌), Dynamic viscosity
(𝜇). Using dimensional analysis obtain 𝜋 terms.

𝑄 𝑃
𝜋1 = (Flow coefficient) 𝜋3 = (Power Coefficient)
𝑁𝐷3 𝐷5 𝑁3 𝜌

𝑔𝐻 𝜇
𝜋2 = (Head coefficient) 𝜋4 = (Reynold’s number)
𝑁2 𝐷2 𝜌𝑁𝐷2

DERIVATION OF THESE VARAIABLES WAS DONE IN CLASS

 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Significance of 𝝅 –terms.
1. Discharge coefficient/capacity coefficient/specific capacity/speed
𝑄
ratio: ( 𝜋1 = 3)
𝑁𝐷
This 𝜋 term gives the measure of volume flow rate of the fluid through a
turbomachine of unit diameter running at a unit speed
𝑄 𝐷2 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉
𝜋1 = ∝ ∝ ∝
𝑁𝐷 3 𝑁𝐷 3 𝑁𝐷 𝑈
𝑉 1
Thus: 𝜋1 = = ; where ∅ is the speed ratio
𝑈 ∅
𝑇𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑟
∅=
𝑇𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑗𝑒𝑡 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
✓For any turbo machine the speed ratio is fixed.
✓For a given pump or fan of certain diameter running a various speeds the
discharge is proportional to rotor speed i.e 𝑄 ∝ 𝑈
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Significance of 𝝅 –terms.
𝑔𝐻
2. Head Coefficient: (𝜋2 = )
𝑁2 𝐷2
This gives a relation between a head and tangential velocity of a
rotor
𝑔𝐻 𝑔𝐻
𝜋2 = = i.e 𝐻 ∝ 𝑈 2
𝑁2 𝐷2 𝑈2
Thus: Head coefficient will be constant for similar impellers.

𝑃
3. Power Coefficient of Specific Power: (𝜋3 = )
𝐷5 𝑁3 𝜌
For a given turbomachine, power is proportional to the cube of
tangential speed of the wheel/rotor. i.e 𝑃 ∝ 𝑁 3
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Significance of 𝝅 –terms.
4. Specific Speed:(Ω)
✓ This is a parameter that does not contain the linear dimension of
the rotor.
i.e, under the same conditions of flow and head, all geometrical
similar turbomachines have same specific speed.
✓ Expressed in terms of:
- Discharge (Q) for power absorbing machine
- Power (P) for power producing machine
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Significance of 𝝅 –terms.
4. Specific Speed: (Ω)
Specific speed of pump:
✓ Obtained by manipulating flow coefficient and head coefficient
1 1
(𝜋1 )2 𝑁𝑄2
✓ 𝜋5 = 3 = 3 = Ω (Dimensionless parameter)
(𝜋2 )4 𝑔𝐻 4
1
𝑁𝑄 2
✓ Can be expressed in another form: 𝑛𝑠 = 3 (rad/s)
𝐻4
✓ Defined as a speed of geometrically similar turbomachine
discharging 1 m3/s of water under a head of 1m
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Significance of 𝝅 –terms.
4. Specific Speed :(Ω)
Specific speed of a turbine:
✓ Obtained by manipulating power coefficient and head coefficient
1 1
(𝜋3 )2 𝑁𝑃 2
✓ 𝜋6 = 5 = 1 5 = Ω ; (Dimensionless)
(𝜋2 )4 𝜌2 (𝑔𝐻)4
1
✓ For incompressible flow the term 1 5 can be dropped off
𝜌2 (𝑔)4
1
𝑁𝑃2
✓ 𝑁𝑠 = 5 (rad/s OR rpm)
𝐻4
✓ Defined as a speed of geometrically similar turbomachine which
produce 1 kW power under a head of 1m
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Significance of 𝝅 –terms.
4. Specific Speed :(Ω)
Units to be used in specific speed calculations:
✓ In metric units:
3
𝑄 𝑚 Τ𝑠 , 𝐻 𝑚 , 𝑁 𝑟𝑝𝑚, 𝑃 𝐻𝑝

✓ In SI units:
3
𝑄 𝑚 Τ𝑠 , 𝐻 𝑚 , 𝑁 𝑟𝑝𝑚, 𝑃 kW

✓ For non-dimensional Ω in SI units;

3 𝑘𝑔
𝑄 𝑚 Τ𝑠 , 𝐻 𝑚 , 𝑁 𝑟𝑝𝑚, 𝑃 W, ρ ൗ𝑚3, 𝑔 𝑚
Τ𝑠2
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Significance of 𝝅 –terms.
Turbomachines selection using Specific Speeds
In Pumps:
❑ It is possible to guess impeller shape from specific speeds.
❑ Small specific speeds impellers have narrow and small openings
where as large specific speeds impellers have wide openings and
are expected to have large flow rates and shorter head. (𝛀𝜶 𝟏Τ𝑯)
❑ Thus the centrifugal pump which has a nearly purely radial outward
flow has small inlet area.
❑ Mixed flow pump has a bigger opening than purely radial flow
❑ Axial flow pump has relatively large flow area
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Significance of 𝝅 –terms.
Specific Speeds for different In turbines:
turbomachines Specific speeds determines the
shape of the rotor. Example;
❑ Pelton wheel is low specific
speed high head turbine.
❑ Francis turbine covers a wide
range of specific speed and is
suitable for intermediate heads.
❑ Kaplan turbine operates at low
heads and need large fluid flow
rates to produce reasonable
amounts of power. Their specific
speeds are therefore high.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Significance of 𝝅 –terms.
Reynold’s number in turbomachines – Viscosity effects
❑Defined as the ratio between inertial force to the viscous force

❑Most of the turbines use relatively low viscosity oil such as air, water
and light oil. Therefore the Reynold number has very little effect on
the power output of the machine.

❑But Reynolds number is an important parameters for small pumps,

compressors, fans and blowers. Their performance improves with an
increase in Reynolds number i.e decrease in viscosity
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Unit Quantities.
These are corresponding values of Q, N and P under the head of 1 m
1. Unit Discharge (𝑄𝑢 )
𝑄 = 𝐴 2𝑔𝐻
Since D is constant for a given rotor then 𝑄 ∝ 𝐻
𝑄 = 𝐾 𝐻 ; if H=1m, then 𝑄 = 𝑄𝑢
i.e 𝑄𝑢 = 𝐾, therefore; 𝑄 = 𝑄𝑢 𝐻
𝑄
𝑄𝑢 =
𝐻
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Unit Quantities.
2. Unit Speed (𝑁𝑢 )
𝑔𝐻 𝑔𝐻
𝜋2 = this can be rewritten as: 𝑁2 =
𝑁2 𝐷2 𝜋2 𝐷2

Since D is constant for a given rotor then; 𝑁2 ∝ 𝐻 i.e 𝑁 ∝ 𝐻

𝑁 = 𝐾 𝐻; if H=1m, then 𝑁𝑢 = 𝐾
𝑁
i.e N = 𝑁𝑢 𝐻 ; 𝑁𝑢 =
𝐻
𝑁
𝑁𝑢 =
𝐻
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Unit Quantities.
3. Unit Power (𝑃𝑢 )
𝑃 5 3
𝜋3 = 5 3 This can be rewritten as 𝑃 = 𝜋3 𝐷 𝑁 𝜌
𝐷 𝑁 𝜌
𝑃 ∝ 𝑁 3 𝐷5 and thus 𝑃 ∝ (𝑁 2 𝐷2 𝑁𝐷3 )
𝑔𝐻
From; 𝜋2 = 2 2 ; 𝐻 ∝ 𝑁 2 𝐷2
𝑁 𝐷
𝑄
From; 𝜋1 = 3 and 𝑄 = 𝐴 2𝑔𝐻, the following can be obtained;
𝑁𝐷
𝐻 ∝ 𝑁𝐷3
Therefore: 𝑃 ∝ 𝐻 𝐻, i.e 𝑃 = 𝐾 𝐻
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Unit Quantities.
3. Unit Power 𝑃𝑢

If H=1m then 𝑃𝑢 = 𝐾
𝑃 = 𝑃𝑢 𝐻 3/2

𝑃
Thus; 𝑃𝑢 =
𝐻 3/2
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Example problems.
1. The efficiency 𝜂 of a fan depends upon density 𝜌, dynamic viscosity
𝜇 of the fluid, angular velocity 𝜔, diameter 𝐷 of the rotor and
discharge 𝑄. Express 𝜂 in terms of dimensionless parameters.
𝝁 𝑸
Ans: [ 𝜼 = 𝒇 𝟐 , 𝟑
𝝆𝝎𝑫 𝝎𝑫

2. Derive on the basis of dimensional analysis suitable parameters to

present the thrust developed by a property. Assume that the thrust
𝑃 depends upon the angular velocity 𝜔, speed of advance 𝑉,
diameter 𝐷, dynamic viscosity μ, mass density 𝜌, elasticity of the
fluid medium which can be denoted by the speed of sound 𝐶 in the
𝟐 𝟐 𝑫𝝎 𝝁 𝑪
medium. Ans: 𝑷 = 𝑫 𝑽 𝝆𝒇 , ,
𝑽 𝑫𝑽𝝆 𝑽
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Example problems.
3. A water turbine of specific speed 150 [SI units] produces 80kW of
power under a head of 15m with an overall efficiency of 81%. Find
the unit quantities.
Ans: [Qu = 0.173 m3/s, Nu = 127.8 RPM, Pu = 1.377 kW]

4. A model of turbine 0.8m diameter runs at 400 RPM under a head of

6.5m. What should be the diameter of the prototype of a specific
speed 185 (SI] that has to produce 6500 kW under a head of 22m.
Assume the efficiency of model and protype are the same.

Ans: [Dp = 5.38 m]

 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Example problems.
5. Four turbines of specific speed 890 [metric] each is installed in a
hydral station. Each of the turbines runs at 50 RPM and share equal
a total discharge of 260 m3/s available under a head of 1.73m.
Assuming each turbine has an efficiency of 82.5%. Find the power
of each turbine.
Ans: [757.2 kW]
6. The quantity of water available for a hydral station is 310 m3/s
under a head of 18m. Assuming speed of each turbine is 60 RPM
and efficiency of 85%. Find the number of turbines required and
power produced by each turbine. Each turbine has a specific speed
of 800 [metric].
Ans: [9 turbines]
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Example problems.
7. From the performance curves of turbines, it is seen that the turbine
of 1m diameter acting under a head of 1m develops a speed of 25
RPM. What diameter should the prototype have if it develops
10,000 kW working under a head of 200m, with a specific speed of
150 [SI] Ans: [0.313 m]
8. An output of 10 kW was recorded on a turbine, 0.5m diameter
revolving at a speed of 800rpm under a head of 20m. What is the
diameter and output power of another turbine which works under
a head of 180m at a speed of 200rpm when their efficiencies are
same and name the turbine that can be used.
Ans: [D=6m, P= 38880 kW, Ns=59.81(SI)-Francis turbine]
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
❑ Example problems.
9. A model of a turbine built to a scale of 1:4 is tested under a head of
10m. The prototype has to work under a head of 50m at 450 RPM,
(a) What speed should the model run if it develops 60kW using 0.92
m3/s at this speed. (b) What power will be obtained from the
prototype assuming that its efficiency is 3% better than that of the
model? Ans: [Nm=805 rpm, Pp=11055 kW]
10. A Pelton wheel turbine is running at a speed of 200RPM and
develops 5200kW working under a head of 220m with an overall
efficiency of 80%. Determine its unit speed, unit flow, unit power
and specific speed. Find the speed, flow and power when its
operating point changes to head of 140m. Take density of water as
1000 kg/[Link]: [Nu=13.48rpm, Pu=1.594kW, Qu=0.203m3/s, Ns=17(SI),
N=159.5rpm, Q=2.4m3/s, P=2639.74kW]
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Let V be the absolute velocity of fluid
entering the rotor at 1 and at any
angle.
This velocity vector may be resolved
into three mutually perpendicular
components.
• Axial component – 𝑉𝑎
• Radial component – 𝑉𝑟
• Tangential component – 𝑉𝑤
✓ No torque is exerted on the rotor
due to axial and radial
components.
✓ The torque is exerted on the rotor only due to the change in the angular
momentum of tangential component
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Assumptions:
1. Fluid enters and leaves the vane in a direction tangential to the vane tip
at inlet and outlet.
2. There is no frictional resistance as the fluid flows over the vane.
Let
V = absolute velocity of fluid (m/s)
N = speed of the wheel (rpm)
r = radius of the wheel (m)
𝜔 = angular velocity of wheel (rotational speed) (rad/s) = 2𝜋N/60
u = linear velocity of vane tip (peripheral velocity) (m/s) = 𝜋dN/60
𝑚ሶ = mass flow rate of the fluid (kg/s)
d = rotor or drum diameter (m)
Suffixes ‘1’ and ‘2’ refer to the values at the inlet and the outlet
respectively.
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
According to Newton’s second law of motion;
The sum of all the forces acting on a control volume in a particular direction
is equal to the rate of change of linear momentum of the fluid across the
control volume.
i.e 𝐹 = 𝑚(𝑉
ሶ 2 − 𝑉1 )
In our specific example: 𝐹 = 𝑚(𝑉
ሶ 𝑤2 − 𝑉𝑤1 )
Applied torque: 𝑇 = 𝐹 × 𝑟 = 𝑚(𝑟
ሶ 2 𝑉𝑤2 − 𝑟1 𝑉𝑤1 )
W.D = Rate of change of Energy = 𝐸𝑜 = T × 𝜔 = 𝜔𝑚(𝑟
ሶ 2 𝑉𝑤2 − 𝑟1 𝑉𝑤1 )
But: U = ω × 𝑟, thus: 𝐸𝑜 = 𝑚(𝑈
ሶ 2 𝑉𝑤2 − 𝑈1 𝑉𝑤1 )
𝐸𝑜
Specific energy 𝐸 = = (𝑈2 𝑉𝑤2 − 𝑈1 𝑉𝑤1 ) 𝐽ൗ𝐾𝑔
𝑚ሶ
This is a basic/general energy per unit mass equation for any turbomachine .
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
This specific energy equation is what is referred to as Euler’s equation and
is used to determine the amount of energy produced or absorbed by a
turbomachine.

If the value of E is positive then the turbomachine is power producing

turbomachine (i.e a turbine) and if is negative then it is a power
absorbing turbomachine (i.e fan, pump, compressor or blower)

Alternate method for Euler’s equation can be obtained by the use of

velocity triangles analysis.
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Velocity Triangles.
✓ A velocity triangle with reference to a turbomachine is the representation
of three important velocities as the sides of a triangle. The three
velocities are as follows:
1. The tangential velocity of the rotor blade, U.
2. The relative velocity of the fluid with respect to the rotor blade 𝑉𝑟
3. The absolute velocity of the fluid V
✓ The three velocities form a triangle to satisfy the condition 𝑉 = 𝑈 + 𝑉𝑟
✓ The “solution” of such a triangle is obtained by finding the three sides of
the triangle and its three angles, either graphically or by a simple
trigonometric analysis.
✓ Solution can be found at any two points on a rotor blade, but in general,
solutions at the inlet and outlet points, are sufficient at present
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Velocity Triangles.
The following guidelines can be used to draw velocity triangles:
1. All the velocities are vector quantities i.e have magnitude and direction.
2. The blade velocity U is invariably tangential to the circular path of the
blade, with positive direction in the direction of rotation.
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Velocity Triangles.
The following guidelines can be used to draw velocity triangles:
3. The instantaneous relative velocity of the fluid (𝑉𝑟 ) with respect to the
blades is always tangential to the stream line of the flow of the fluid in
the passage between the blades of the rotor. Hence, 𝑉𝑟 is tangential to
the blade profile also. The sense of the direction of 𝑉𝑟 (inward or
outward) has to be prescribed clearly, depending on the flow of the fluid.
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Velocity Triangles.
The following guidelines can be used to draw velocity triangles:
4. The absolute velocity 𝑉 of the fluid is the vectorial sum of 𝑈 and 𝑉𝑟 ,
thus, 𝑉 = 𝑈 + 𝑉𝑟 . With this relationship, it can be understood that any
two known quantities are sufficient to know the third one.
5. Orientation of velocity triangles for axial and radial flows are as below:
6. The fluid angles (inlet 𝛼1 , outlet 𝛼2 ) and blade angles (inlet 𝛽1 , outlet
𝛽2 ) are specified with respect to the blade velocity vector U.
For radial flow

For Axial flow

Summary for drawing velocity triangles
Radial flow

Blade discharge angel

Axial flow
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Velocity Triangles.
Examples 1:
A rotor is shown in the figure. The entry of fluid is radial and the flow is
outward. The blades are radial at the outlet. Draw representative velocity
triangles.
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Velocity Triangles.
Examples 2:
A rotor is shown in Figure. The entry of fluid is radial and the flow is
outward. The blades are bent forward at the outlet. Draw representative
velocity triangles.
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Velocity Triangles.
Examples 3:
A rotor is shown in Figure. The entry of fluid is at an angle and the flow is
inward. The blades are radial at the inner diameter. Draw representative
velocity triangles.
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Velocity Triangles.
Examples 4:
A rotor is shown in Figure. The entry of fluid is at an angle and the flow is
inward. The blades are such that at the outer diameter they are at 90o to
blade velocity and the flow is radial at the inner diameter. Draw
representative velocity triangles.
 ENERGY TRANSFER IN TURBOMACHINES
Velocity Triangles.
Examples 5:
A rotor is shown in Figure. The entry of fluid is at an angle and the flow is
inward. The blades are inclined at the outer diameter as shown and the
flow is radial at the inner diameter. Draw representative velocity triangles.