Lec.
2
Similarity of Fluid
Machines Turbo Machinery 1
Course instructor Mechatronics Engineering Department
Dr. Mohamed Elsayed
Abdelaty
2022-2023
Dimensional Analysis And Similarity
In most experiments, to save time and money, tests are performed on a geometrically scaled model, rather than on
the full-scale prototype.
Primary purposes of dimensional analysis :
• To generate non-dimensional parameters that help in the design of experiments (physical and/or numerical) and in
the reporting of experimental results.
• To obtain scaling laws so that prototype performance can be predicted from model performance.
• To (sometimes) predict trends in the relationship between parameters.
DIMENSIONS AND UNITS
There are three necessary conditions for complete similarity between a model and a prototype.
1- geometric similarity:
The model must be the same shape as the prototype, but may be scaled by some constant scale factor.
2- kinematic similarity:
• means that the velocity at any point in the model flow must be proportional (by a
constant scale factor) to the velocity at the corresponding point in the prototype
flow.
• for kinematic similarity the velocity at corresponding points must scale in
magnitude and must in the same relative direction.
3- dynamic similarity:
Dynamic similarity is achieved when all forces in the model flow scale by a constant factor to corresponding forces in the
prototype flow (force-scale equivalence).
The Method Of Repeating Variables And The Buckingham Pi Theorem
Step 1: List the parameters in the problem and count their total number n.
𝑭𝑫 = 𝒇 𝑳 , 𝑽 , 𝝆 , 𝝁 n=5
Step 2: List the primary dimensions of each of the n parameters.
𝑭𝑫 𝑳 𝑽 𝝆 𝝁
𝑴𝑳𝑻!𝟐 𝑳 𝑳𝑻!𝟏 𝑴𝑳!𝟑 𝑴𝑳!𝟏 𝑻!𝟏
Step 3: Set the reduction j as the number of primary dimensions. Calculate k,
the expected number of II’s, k = n – j
j=3 (L,M,T)
k=5–3=2
Step 4: Choose j repeating parameters.
𝑳 𝑽 𝝆
𝑳 𝑳𝑻!𝟏 𝑴𝑳!𝟑
Step 5: Construct the k II’s, and manipulate as necessary.
𝝅𝟏 𝑭𝑫 = 𝝅𝟏 𝑳𝒂 ×𝑽𝒃 ×𝝆𝒄
𝒃
𝑴𝑳𝑻!𝟐 = 𝑳 𝒂 ×𝑳𝑻!𝟏 ×𝑴𝑳!𝟑 𝒄
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 ∶ 𝟏=𝒄
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 ∶ −𝟐 = −𝒃
L𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 ∶ 𝟏 = 𝒂 + 𝒃 − 𝟑𝒄 ∴𝒂=𝟐
𝑭𝑫 = 𝝅𝟏 𝑳𝟐 ×𝑽𝟐 ×𝝆𝟏
𝑭𝑫
∴ 𝝅𝟏 = Drag coefficient
𝝆𝑳𝟐 𝑽𝟐
Step 6: Write the final functional relationship and check your algebra.
Step 5: Construct the k II’s, and manipulate as necessary.
𝝅𝟐 𝝁 = 𝝅𝟐 𝑳𝒂 ×𝑽𝒃 ×𝝆𝒄
𝒃
𝑴𝑳!𝟏 𝑻!𝟏 = 𝑳 𝒂 ×𝑳𝑻!𝟏 ×𝑴𝑳!𝟑 𝒄
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 ∶ 𝟏=𝒄
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 ∶ −𝟏 = −𝒃
L𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 ∶ −𝟏 = 𝒂 + 𝒃 − 𝟑𝒄 ∴𝒂=𝟏
𝝁 = 𝝅𝟐 𝑳𝟏 ×𝑽𝟏 ×𝝆𝟏
𝝁 𝟏
∴ 𝝅𝟐 = =
𝝆𝑳𝑽 𝑹𝒆
Step 6: Write the final functional relationship and check your algebra.
𝝅𝟏 = 𝒇 𝝅𝟐 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑓 (𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡)
𝑭𝑫
𝟐 𝟐
= 𝒇 𝑹𝒆
𝝆𝑳 𝑽
EXAMPLE : Similarity between Model and Prototype Cars
The aerodynamic drag of a new sports car is to be predicted at a speed of 50.0 mi/h at an air temperature of 25°C. Automotive engineers
build a one fifth scale model of the car to test in a wind tunnel. It is winter and the wind tunnel is located in an unheated building; the
temperature of the wind tunnel air is only about 5°C. Determine how fast the engineers should run the wind tunnel in order to achieve
similarity between the model and the prototype.
The aerodynamic drag force on the model car is measured with a drag balance (Fig. 7–
19). Several drag readings are recorded, and the average drag force on the model is 21.2
lbf. Predict the aerodynamic drag force on the prototype (at 50 mi/h and 25°C).
Turbo Machine Similarity
Ø Similarity can be a useful tool for the prediction of machine performance using results of tests conducted on a
scale model.
Ø According to the 𝛑 − 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐦 : the number of similarity parameters is equal to the number of variables
minus the number of primary dimensions (time, length, temperature and mass)
• In the case of turbo machines, the main variables involved can be classified as:
1. Geometric variables
2. Kinematic variables or characteristic velocities
3. Fluid properties
4. Duty or Performance variables
1. Geometric variables: which describe the main characteristic dimensions
of the rotor
Ø The largest diameter of rotor D (equal to tip diameter 𝑑) in case of axial
machines; 𝑑* or 𝑑+ in case of radial machines).
Ø The inner or small diameter of rotor d (equal to hub diameter 𝑑, in case of
axial machines; 𝑑* or 𝑑+ in case of radial machines). This is replaced by
blade height h in axial machines in some cases.
Ø Width of rotor b at largest diameter of rotor. This is limited to the case of
radial machines only.
Some other geometric dimensions are added, in
different cases, e.g. size of roughness of surfaces 𝜺
, in case where surface roughness effects on size of
machine and on its performance (scale effect) are
studied
2. Kinematic variables or characteristic velocities:
As all rotor or fluid velocities are directly proportional to peripheral speed U, it is enough to adopt U or N as the
characteristic velocity of the flow through turbo machines.
3. Fluid properties: which are,
a. Density of fluid,
b. Fluid viscosity,
c. Ratio of specific heats for compressible fluids 𝛾 and the gas constant R are grouped together in the expression of
the speed of sound at inlet to rotor 𝑎' = 𝛾𝑅𝑇' , where 𝑇' is the total stagnation temperature at inlet.
In case of hydraulic machines, where the performance is not affected by the value of compressibility of fluid as
described by the speed of sound, the maximum drop in pressure inside the rotor ΔPdynamic or NPSH (net positive
suction head), is taken into account when studying the effect of cavitation on performance of such machines.
4. Duty or Performance variables: which include,
a. The mass or volume flow rate through the machine 𝒎- 𝒐𝒓 𝑽-
b. The energy exchange or work done per unit mass flux between fluid and rotor, w.
• In case of incompressible-fluid machines the work replaced by gH
.!"
• In case of compressible-fluid machines the work replaced by ΔTo or the pressure ratio
.#$
c. Power absorbed (or given) by machine P or efficiency, 𝜼
Similarity Groups
𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆
𝑷 , 𝒘 𝒐𝒓 𝜼 𝑫, 𝒅, 𝒃, 𝜺, 𝑵, 𝑯, 𝒑, 𝝆, 𝝁, 𝜸, 𝒂𝟎 , 𝑵𝑷𝑺𝑯, 𝒎)
By using the dimensional analysis : 𝜋 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑚
dimensionless groups 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 dimensionless groups 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆
𝑃 𝑤 ∆𝑇- 𝑃'. 𝑑 𝑏 𝜀 𝑚) 𝜌𝑁𝐷 , 𝑁𝐷 𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻
, 𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝜂 , , , , , 𝛾, ,
𝜌𝑁 * 𝐷 + 𝑁 , 𝐷 , 𝑇- 𝑃', 𝐷 𝐷 𝐷 𝜌𝑁𝐷 * 𝜇 𝑎' 𝐻
• Every one of the above groups signifies geometric, kinematic or force similarity, as follows:
1. Geometric similarity ratios
/
a. Diameter ratio (hub to tip diameter ratio for axial machines or inner to outer diameters for radial
0
machines).
1
b. Width to diameter ratio for radial machines
0
c. the relative roughness ε/D
2. Kinematic similarity coefficients,
𝑤 𝑤
Stage-loading coefficient 𝜆= =
𝑁 ,𝐷, 𝑈,
2
𝑤34
Pressure or head coefficient, 𝜓=𝜆 𝜂 ∓. = ,
𝑈
2
Δℎ/,12 𝑔𝐻
For thermal machine 𝜓= For hydraulic machine 𝜓=
𝑈+ 𝑈+
2 2
Flow or discharge coefficient
It is a dimensionless that describes the flow meridional velocity as a ratio of rotor peripheral velocity 𝑚)
∅= 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑚! = 𝜌 𝐴 𝐶"
𝑪𝒎 : is the meridional component ( the vector sum of the axial and radial component ) 𝜌 𝑁 𝐷*
𝐶3
For Radial machine 𝐶" = 𝐶% For Axial machine 𝐶" = 𝐶$ ∅ =
𝑈
Power Coefficient
𝑚) 𝑤 𝑚) 𝑤 𝑃45
× = =
By multiply the stage loading and discharge coefficients 𝜌 𝑁 𝐷* 𝑁 ,𝐷, 𝜌 𝑁 *𝐷+ 𝜌 𝑁 *𝐷+
3. Force similarity numbers,
Reynolds’s Number which is the ratio of inertia forces to viscous forces , based on the peripheral velocity U.
Ø It is critical when it has low values. 𝜌 𝑈 𝐷 𝜌 𝑁 𝐷+
𝑅4 = =
𝜇 𝜇
Ø Reynolds Number effect can be neglected at fully turbulent flow (very high Re )
Mach Number. group and it expresses compressibility effects. which is the ratio of flow speed to sound speed.
𝑁𝐷
𝑎5
Ø it Used in thermal machine and is critical for when it has high values 𝑀 > 0.3
Ø its effect can be neglected at very low Mach number
The Cavitation number is a dimensionless number used in flow calculations. It expresses the relationship between the difference of a local
absolute pressure from the vapour pressure and the kinetic energy per volume, and is used to characterize the potential of the flow to
𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻
cavitation . 𝜎=
𝐻
Cavitation number : For Hydraulic machines, where cavitation plays a major role, the cavitation number s replaces Mach No.
Euler Number ,which is the ratio of the pressure forces to the inertia forces.
Ø it used in hydraulic machine and is critical for when 𝛔𝐝 < 𝛔𝐜
Ø its effect can be neglected when 𝛔𝐝(design Cavitation number) > 𝛔𝐜 (critical Cavitation number)
The isentropic index 𝜸 is a dimensionless group that affects the work or power also it affects the value of ao.
For complete dynamic similarity of two machines, the above coefficients or numbers must be the same. In this case, the
geometric similarity coefficients are constant and hence for similar machines working with the same fluid (the same value of
𝛾) as:
𝝍 𝒐𝒓 𝜼 , 𝝀 = 𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝝓 , 𝑹𝒆 , 𝑴 𝒐𝒓 𝝈
Pressure or head coefficient
Stage-loading coefficient Flow or discharge coefficient
where Mach No. M, which considers the fluid compressibility in compressible-fluid machines, is replaced by cavitation
coefficient s for hydraulic machines.
Moreover, as flow in turbo machines usually occurs at high Re, we can exclude this number from the pervious relation as it will
have the same effect on performance of similar machines.
for compressible fluid machines for hydraulic machines
𝜓 𝑜𝑟 𝜂 , 𝜆 = 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝜙 , 𝑀 𝜓 𝑜𝑟 𝜂 , 𝜆 = 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝜙 , 𝑅4 , 𝜎
Specific Speed :
Ø For geometrically similar machines, working under similar conditions, have the same y - f & h - f characteristics.
Therefore, in order to get a single parameter that can define this group of similar machines, specific speed is suggested.
Ø Specific Speed is a number characterizing the type of rotor in turbo machine in a unique and coherent manner. Specific
speed is determined independent of the machine size and can be useful when comparing different machine designs
Ø Its is a parameter that is important in design or selection of turbo machines.
Ø This parameter does not depend on the machine size (D) and depends only on the duty variables (Q,H,P,N) that are
usually known before selection or design of the machine.
Ø It must be computed at maximum efficiency
Ø Due to the range of maximum efficiency is different for every geometric design , so Specific speed is usually related to the
shape of machines ( axial , mixed , radial)
Radial Machine Mixed Machine Axial Machine
Head High Medium Low
Flow Rate Low Medium High
Specific Speed Low Medium High
(0.05 to 1) (1 to 5 ) (5 to 20)
Correlation of rotor design and specific speed, suitability ranges of various
designs.
Summery of Turbo machines Similarity
Ø Some dimensionless parameters are important for prediction of performance , comparison , modelling , …..
Important Variables :
• Geometric : dimensions (d, D, b , ……..) , Surface roughness 𝜀 , … … … … … … . .
• Kinematic : rotational speed (N) , Linear Rotor speed (U) , fluid velocity 𝐶, 𝐶3 , 𝑊, … … . , …..
• Fluid : thermo physical 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝑘, 𝑅, … . , sonic speed (a) , net positive suction head (NPSH) ,…..
• Duty or Performance : flow rates 𝑚. , 𝑉 . 𝑜𝑟 𝑄 , head (H) , Power (P) , Specific work (w) , efficiency 𝜂 , …..
Summery of Turbo machines Similarity
Important Dimensionless Parameters
• Geometric Groups :
• Kinematic :
Ø Aspect ratios 𝑑 ⁄𝐷 , 𝑏⁄𝐷
(
Ø Relative roughness 𝜖 ⁄𝐷 Ø Stage Loading Coefficient λ = *!⁄+
("# ,-
• Force Groups : Ø Head or pressure Coefficient 𝜓 =
* !⁄+
𝑜𝑟
* !⁄+
Ø Reynolds number 𝑅6 ". 1 2&
Ø Flow Coefficient ./ 0%
, / 0% , 𝜙 = *
Ø Mach number 𝑀
3
/37- Ø Power Coefficient
Ø Cavitation number 𝜎 = . /% 0'
-
Ø or Euler number Ø Efficiency 𝜂
• Shape: Factor affecting Similarity :
Reynolds effects , scale effects , cavitation effect ,
/ *5
/ 1 +
Ø Specific speed 𝑁4 = or = compressibility effect.
,- %⁄) ,- '⁄)
Calculated at maximum efficiency and determines shape of
impeller
Axial Flow Machine
Axial Flow Machine
Radial Flow Machine (Turbo Charger)
Radial Flow Machine (Super Charger)
Thanks For Attention
Q&A
