How Does Axial Flow Affect Flow Rate and Head in Turbomachinery?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of axial flow in turbomachinery, specifically focusing on flow rate and head. Participants explore concepts related to the classification of rotodynamic devices, the relationship between kinetic energy and pressure, and the impact of impeller design on performance. The conversation includes inquiries about the effects of rotational speed and mass flow rate on pressure ratios in axial and centrifugal compressors, as well as gas turbines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the implications of axial flow providing higher flow rates and lower head compared to radial flow.
  • One participant suggests that the ability to convert kinetic energy to pressure is independent of the type of compressor used, indicating that flow and pressure can be managed regardless of the device type.
  • Another participant clarifies that the statement regarding axial flow compressors producing higher flow rates and lower pressure is a generalization based on typical applications, emphasizing that different compressor types have inherent advantages.
  • There is a request for sources to clarify concepts related to turbomachinery and impeller design.
  • Participants discuss the effects of changing rotational speed and mass flow rate on pressure ratios in both axial and centrifugal compressors, as well as gas turbines.
  • One participant mentions the affinity laws as a rough estimation tool for understanding changes in compressor operating conditions.
  • Impeller design is noted to significantly influence compressor properties, including head, flow, and efficiency, with specific design aspects highlighted.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of axial flow characteristics, and multiple competing views regarding the relationship between flow rate, head, and compressor design remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants acknowledge the complexity of turbomachinery concepts, indicating that simplifications may not capture the full scope of the subject. There are references to specific books and resources that may provide further insights, but no definitive conclusions are drawn.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and professionals interested in turbomachinery, particularly those seeking to understand the dynamics of flow rates, pressure, and design considerations in compressors and turbines.

ahmedbadr
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iam confused so much about some concepts of turbomachinery.
according to the classification of rotodynamics devices there are 3 types radial flow,axial flow and mixed flow and axial flow gives higher flow rate compared to radial flow and lower head.

so my question is what is meant that axial flow gives higher flow rate and lower head ?

cant we convert kinetic energy(flow rate) to pressure (head) and vise verse so the point is how much the power input to the device so we can convert this power to to flow rate or head regardless the type of rotodynamic(axial or radial) i.e the diection of flow

another question does the design of impeller or propeller has to do something about that?

finally i hope if you can get m,e a source (website or books)that clearify this point and clarify the the design of impellers and animations .
 
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no one answers?
 


ahmedbadr said:
cant we convert kinetic energy(flow rate) to pressure (head) and vise verse so the point is how much the power input to the device so we can convert this power to to flow rate or head regardless the type of rotodynamic(axial or radial) i.e the diection of flow
Yes, this is all perfectly correct. The type of compressor doesn't really have anything to do with how much the pressure is raised or how much flow can be developed. Flow and pressure are independent of the method used to compress a gas.

ahmedbadr said:
iam confused so much about some concepts of turbomachinery.
according to the classification of rotodynamics devices there are 3 types radial flow,axial flow and mixed flow and axial flow gives higher flow rate compared to radial flow and lower head.

so my question is what is meant that axial flow gives higher flow rate and lower head ?
When it is said that an axial flow compressor produces a higher flow rate and less pressure (ie: head), it is only meant that there are typical niches that are more suitable for specific types of compression equipment. A reciprocating compressor could do just as much flow as an axial flow compressor, but we wouldn't use a recip in a jet engine. We'd use an axial compressor because there are inherent advantages to one type over another. All the statement is really saying is that "typically" an axial flow compressor will be used to produce flow rates that are higher than radial flow centrifugal compressors or that centrifugal compressors are typically used to provide more pressure than axial compressors. For that matter, reciprocating compressors are typically used when higher pressure and less flow is required. The statement is merely a generalization on the type of compressor used for an application.
 
turbomachinery

i want to know the effect of changing the rotational speed and the mass flow rate on the pressure ration of axial compressor and centrifugal compressor and the effect of the same two parameters on the gas turbine ??
it would be better if anyone can tell abt website that can i get these information from
 


In general you can think of the affinity laws for a rough estimation of changes in operating conditions of compressors. i.e. flow is proportional to shaft speed, and head is proportional to the square of shaft speed. Really, you would need to consult the OEM of the compressor of performance curves at whatever operation point you have in mind.
Usually you can get predicted discharge pressure, temperature, and efficiency versus flow at one or more speeds.
Normally gas turbines have a relatively small speed range otherwise the efficiency suffers.
 


Impeller design has everything to do with compressor properties. The blade tip width, blade angle relative to tangent, impeller diameter, diffuser width, return channel shape, impeller inducer shape, impeller diameter all affect the amount of head, flow, and efficiency a centrifugal stage can achieve. Similarly, an axial's properties are affected by rotating blade shape, stationary blade shape, and angle.
 


(merged 2 threads with the same title and author)
 


ahmedbadr said:
i want to know the effect of changing the rotational speed and the mass flow rate on the pressure ration of axial compressor and centrifugal compressor and the effect of the same two parameters on the gas turbine ??
it would be better if anyone can tell abt website that can i get these information from

I don't know your knowledge level about this, but it's a relatively difficult machine to simplify. http://books.google.com/books?id=s4...urbomachinery&hl=fr&cd=1#v=onepage&q&f=false", you can access part of a book that explain the velocity diagrams and the energy transfer.
 
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