Experimental Study of a Cold Flow Radial Turbine

Abstract

<p>The experimental study of an inward radial flow turbine is described in this report. Preliminary tests of the turbine by United Aircraft of Canada Ltd. indicated that the isentropic efficiency was some 50% below the design target of 80% efficiency. In an effort to locate problem areas in the turbine design, the unit's response is examined under four different load conditions at speeds ranging from 10,000 to 75,000 RPM and pressure ratios from 1.2 to 2.4. The results of these tests are presented using a series of non-dimensional parameters typically employed in turbine and compressor design. From these parameters it is evident that the poor response of the unit is due to the high degree of exit swirl introduced into the primary diffuser by the "exducerless"turbine blades.</p> <p>The response characteristics of the unit are examined in the light of the experimental results, and explanations of various phenomena are offered.</p>