Principles of Turbomachinery

To
J. M. T.
Principles of
Turbomachinery
R. K. Turton
Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
Loughborough University of Technology

London New York

E. & F. N. Spon
 First published 1984 by
E. & F. N. Spon Ltd
11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE
Published in the USA by
E. & F. N. Spon
733 Third Avenue, New York NY 10017
© R. K. Turton 1984
Softcover reprint ofthe hardcover 1st edition 1984
J. W. Arrowsmith Ltd, Bristol
ISBN 978-94-010-9691-1 ISBN 978-94-010-9689-8 (eBook)
DOI 10.1007/978-94-010-9689-8
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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Turton, R. K.
Principles of turbomachinery.
1. Turbomachines-Fluid dynamics
2. Thermodynamics
I. Title
621.8'11 TJ267
ISBN 978-94-010-9691-1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in Publication Data

Turton, R. K. (Robert Keith)
Principles of turbomachinery.
Bibliography: p.
Includes index.
1. Turbomachines. I.Title.
TJ267.T88 1984 621.406 84-5490
ISBN 978-94-010-9691-1
Contents

Page
Preface IX
Symbols used: their meaning and dimensions xi

1 Fundamental principles 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Euler equation 2
1.3 Reaction 3
1.4 Application to a centrifugal machine 4
1.5 Application to axial pumps and turbines 8
1.5.1 Axial pump or fan 8
1.5.2 Axial turbine stage 11
1.6 Alternative operating modes 13
1.7 Compressible flow theory 14
1.7.1 General application to a machine 14
1.7.2 Compression process 15
1.7.3 Expansion process 19
1.8 Shock wave effects 23
1.9 Cavitation 24
1.9.1 Phenomenon of cavitation 24
1.9.2 Suction pressure and NPSH (or NPSE) 27
1.10 Illustrative examples 29
1.10.1 Radial outflow machine (pump) 29
1.10.2 Axial pump and turbine 30
1.10.3 Compressible flow problem 31
1.10.4 Example of an NPSE calculation 33

2 Principles and practice of scaling laws 34

2.1 Introduction 34
2.2 Performance laws 35
vi Contents
2.3 Concept of specific speed 38
2.4 Cavitation parameters 39
2.5 Scale effects in incompressible units 41
2.5.1 Hydraulic machines 41
2.5.2 Cavitation problems 44
2.5.3 Fans and blowers 45
2.6 Scale effects in compressible machines 45
2.7 1llustrative examples 46
2.7.1 Similarity laws applied to a water turbine 46
2.7.2 Compressor performance prediction problem 47

3 Principles of axial flow machines 49

3.1 Introduction 49
3.2 Wing theory 51
3.3 Isolated aerofoil data 56
3.4 Cascade data 59
3.5 Radial equilibrium theories 70
3.6 Actuator disc approach 73
3.7 Stall and surge effects 74
3.7.1 Introduction 74
3.7.2 Stalling offans and compressor stages 74
3.7.3 Surge and stall in compressors 75

4 Principles of radial and mixed flow machines 77

4.1 Introduction 77
4.2 One-dimensional approach 77
4.3 Two-dimensional approach 79
4.3.1 Passage shapes 79
4.3.2 Impeller or rotating cascade 81
4.4 Three-dimensional problem 87
4.5 Discussion of theoretical approaches to analysis and
design 88

5 Centrifugal machines 91
5.1 Introduction 91
5.2 Inlet or intake systems 95
5.3 Impeller 95
5.3.1 Eye or inducer section 95
5.3.2 Impeller design 97
 Contents vii
5.4 Outlet systems 108
5.4.1 Vaneless diffuser 109
5.4.2 Volute or spiral casing 111
5.4.3 Vaned diffuser systems 116
5.5 Thrust loads due to hydrodynamic effects 120
5.5.1 Radial thrust forces 120
5.5.2 Axial thrust loads 121

6 Axial machines for incompressible ftow 125

6.1 Introduction 125
6.2 Axial flow pumps and fans 125
6.3 Axial water turbines 129
6.4 Forces on blades and their implications for design 138
6.4.1 Static blades 138
6.4.2 Rotating blades 140
6.5 Concluding remarks 140

7 Axial turbines and compressors for compressible ftow 142

7.1 Introduction 142
7.2 Approach to axial compressor principles 143
7.3 Axial turbine principles 151
7.3.1 General principles 151
7.3.2 Partial admission problem 157
7.4 Other problems 158

8 Radial flow turbines 159

8.1 Introduction 159
8.2 Water turbines 161
8.3 Radial inflow gas turbine 163
8.3.1 Nozzle systems 163
8.3.2 Rotor geometry 165
8.3.3 Worked example 168
8.4 Ljungstrom or radial outflow turbine 169

9 Cavitation and other matters 172

9.1 Introduction 172
9.2 Effects of cavitation on machines 172
9.2.1 Surface damage and erosion effects 172
9.2.2 Hydrodynamic effects 174
viii Contents
9.2.3 Thermodynamic effects on pump cavitation 175
9.2.4 Inducer 178
9.3 Problems involved in special pumping applications 179
9.3.1 Gas suspension problems 179
9.3.2 Solids pumping 180
9.3.3 Pumping viscous fluids 182
9.4 Pumped storage systems 182
9.5 Some comments on output control of rotating machines 185

References 188
Additional bibliography 195
Index 196
Preface

This text outlines the fluid and thermodynamic principles that apply to all
classes of turbomachines, and the material has been presented in a unified
way. The approach has been used with successive groups of final year
mechanical engineering students, who have helped with the development of
the ideas outlined. As with these students, the reader is assumed to have a
basic understanding of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. However, the
early chapters combine the relevant material with some new concepts, and
provide basic reading references.
Two related objectives have defined the scope of the treatment. The first is
to provide a general treatment of the common forms of turbo machine,
covering basic fluid dynamics and thermodynamics of flow through passages
and over surfaces, with a brief derivation of the fundamental governing
equations. The second objective is to apply this material to the various
machines in enough detail to allow the major design and performance factors
to be appreciated. Both objectives have been met by grouping the machines
by flow path rather than by application, thus allowing an appreciation of
points of similarity or difference in approach. No attempt has been made to
cover detailed points of design or stressing, though the cited references and
the body of information from which they have been taken give this sort of
information.
The first four chapters introduce the fundamental relations, and the suc-
ceeding chapters deal with applications to the various flow paths. The last
chapter covers the effects of cavitation, solids suspensions, gas content and
pumped storage systems, and includes a short discussion of the control of
output. These topics have been included to highlight the difficulties encoun-
tered when the machine is not dealing with a clean Newtonian fluid, or in
systems where problems are posed that can only be solved by compromise.
Chapter 5 discusses all the conventional centrifugal machines, covering in a
uniform manner the problems faced with liquids and gases: since high
pressure rise machines have a number of stages, the ways in which fluid is
x Preface
guided from stage to stage are introduced. Thrust load problems are
described and the common solutions adopted are outlined. The discussion of
axial machines has been divided between two chapters, as the technologies of
pumps, fans and water turbines are similar but differ from those used in
compressible machines. Radial flow turbines form the subject matter of
Chapter 8, and the common designs in use in industry and in turbochargers
are discussed.
Worked examples have been included in all chapters but the last. They are
intended to provide illustration of the main points of the text, and to give a
feel for both the shape of the velocity triangles and the sizes of the velocity
vectors that normally apply. They are of necessity simplified, and must not be
regarded as representing current practice in all respects. No problems for
student solution have been provided. Teachers normally prefer to devise their
own material, and may obtain copies of examination qu~stions set by other
institutions if they wish.
As a matter of course the SI system of units has been used throughout,
except in some diagrams. To assist the reader, a list of symbols used in the
early chapters, together with a statement of the conventional dimensions
used, follows the Preface. As far as possible the British Standard on symbols
has been followed but, where current and hallowed practice dictates the use of
certain symbols, these have been used; it is hoped that where the same symbol
appears to have different meanings the context makes the usage clear.
The material presented forms the core of a lecture course of about 46 hours,
and the author hopes that in the inevitable distillation no ambiguities have
occurred. He will be grateful for comments and suggestions, as he is still an
earnest 'seeker after truth'.
Finally, it is necessary to offer some words of thanks, especially to Mrs
Redman, who ensured that the diagrams were clear, to Mrs Smith and Mrs
McKnight, who helped with the typing, and finally to my dear wife, who was
so patient and who ensured that the proof-reading was done properly.
Symbols used:
their meaning and
dimensions

a acoustic velocity ms- 1

b passage height m
CL lift coefficient (Table 3.1)
CD drag coefficient (Table 3.1)
Cp pressure rise coefficient (Equation 3.15)
Cp specific heat at constant pressure kJkg- 1 K- 1
Cy specific heat at constant volume kJkg- 1 K- 1
D diameter m
D drag force on an aerofoil N
Fa for~ acting in the axial direction on a foil N
or blade
FI force acting in the tangential direction on N
a foil or blade
9 acceleration due to gravity ms- 2
gH specific energy Jkg- 1
h specific enthalpy Jkg- 1
H head m of liquid
K lattice coefficient (Equation 3.11)
k an alternative to '}' ( = CJCy )
k. dimensionless specific speed
L lift force on an aerofoil N
M pitching moment acting on a foil Nm
Mn Mach number (= V fa)
m mass flow rate kgs- 1
N rotational speed rev min- 1
xii Symbols used: their meaning and dimensions
NPSE net positive suction energy kJkg- 1
NPSEa net positive suction energy available kJkg- 1
NPSE R net positive suction energy required kJkg- 1
NPSH net positive suction head m ofliquid
Ns specific speed
0 opening or throat in a turbine cascade m
P pressure Nm- 2
Po stagnation pressure Nm- 2
Pv vapour pressure Nm- 2
p power Js- 1 = W
Q volumetric flow rate m 3 s- 1
R reaction (Section 1.3)
R specific gas constant kJkg- 1 K- 1
Re Reynolds number
Rem model Reynolds number
S suction specific speed
t blade thickness m
t blade passage minimum width or throat m
T temperature (absolute) K
To stagnation temperature (absolute) K
T torque Nm
u Peripheral velocity ms- 1
V absolute velocity ms- 1
v.. axial component of absolute velocity ms- 1
v.. normal component of absolute velocity ms- 1
"is or
("isen) isentropic velocity (Equation 1.34) ms- 1
VR radial component of absolute velocity ms- 1
v.. peripheral component of absolute velocity ms- 1
W relative velocity ms- 1
w.. peripheral component of relative velocity ms- 1
YN,YR loss coefficients (Equation 3.27)

(X angle made by absolute velocity degrees

p angle made by relative velocity degrees
y ratio of specific heats
y stagger angle degrees

,
() deviation angle degrees
B fluid deflection degrees
loss coefficient (Equation 3.13)
 Symbols used: their meaning and dimensions xiii
11 efficiency
I1ss static to static efficiency
I1TS total to static efficiency
I1rr total to total efficiency
() camber angle degrees
K elastic modulus kgm- 1 S-2
J.1 absolute viscosity kgm- 1 S-l
v kinematic viscosity m 2 S-l
e Markov's loss coefficient (Equation 3.26)
p density kgm- 3
(J Thoma's cavitation parameter
(J velocity ratio (Equation 3.29)
¢ flow coefficient (V./u)
specific energy coefficient
'" I1rr/2cxf. (Equation 3.30)
'w"
n Howell's work done factor
angular velocity rads- 1

Subscripts 1, 2 etc indicate the point of reference.

For a complete definition of blade terminology please refer also to Fig. 3.2
and Table 3.1.