ME 122 Problem Set 1

Instructions: Please write all of your assumptions and box your intermediate and final answers. Answer
the problems individually and then you can compare your answers with your classmates and work on it
together.

Problem 1
A test turbine which is a 1:4 scale model of an actual turbine is rotating at 4000 revolutions per minute for
an inlet axial flow of 10 m/s. If the diameter of the actual turbine is 2 m and it is rotating at 1000
revolutions per minute, determine the inlet axial velocity for the actual turbine together with the mass
flow rates for both the model and the actual turbine. (50 pts) Also, solve for the ratio of the model head
(H) to that of the actual turbine. (30 pts)
Very easy conceptual questions:
1. What is the purpose of similitude? (10 pts)
2. Explain briefly the use of compressors and turbines in a steam power plant. (10 pts)

Problem 2
A purely axial steam turbine stage needs to be analyzed by a ME 122 student as requirement for their first
long examination. The exit angle at the stator is set at 70ᵒ and the design flow coefficient is 0.5. If the
axial velocity of steam inflow to the turbine is 160 m/s, determine the relative flow exit angles for the
stator and the rotor. (30 pts) Also, determine the relative velocity at the inlet and at the exit of the rotor.
(30 pts) Once all of the velocities and angles are solved, draw the cascade view of the turbine stage with
the corresponding correct velocity triangles. (20 pts) Finally, determine the reaction. (20 pts)

Problem 3
A two-stage air compressor operates at an axial inlet flow velocity of 200 m/s at 3000 rpm with an
intercooler between the two stages. The inlet state is 100kPa, 290K, and the final exit pressure is 1.6MPa.
Assume isentropic compression and that the constant pressure intercooler cools the air to the inlet
temperature. The inter-stage pressure is 400kPa. Find the specific compressor work, w, for each stage. (50
pts) If the flow coefficient is 0.7, find the mean blade radius, rm, and the rotor relative exit angle, β2. (50
pts)