Characteristics of Centrifugal Compressors — Lesson 2

This lesson covers the principles of turbomachinery aerodynamics, with a focus on axial flow turbo-machines, axial compressors, and axial turbines. It explains why these machines are given more emphasis, primarily due to their use in modern-day jet engines. The lesson also discusses the applications of radial flow counterparts, particularly in smaller-sized engines. It delves into the history of jet engines, explaining how centrifugal compressors were used in the earliest jet engines and how axial compressors gradually replaced them. The lesson further elaborates on the thermodynamics of centrifugal compression process, power calculations, and the governing equations involved in centrifugal compressor design. It also explains the concept of Coriolis acceleration and its impact on the overall performance of a centrifugal compressor. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the performance characteristics of a centrifugal compressor, including the problems of choking, stall surge, and the effect of slip factor on its performance.

Video Highlights

01:30 - Overview of the history and development of centrifugal compressors in jet engines.
06:26 - Detailed analysis of the effect of Coriolis acceleration on the velocity triangle of a fluid element in a centrifugal compressor.
33:39 - Explanation of the concept of slip factor and its impact on the performance of a centrifugal compressor.
38:45 - Discussion on the performance characteristics of a centrifugal compressor, including the effects of surge, stall, and choking.
46:37 - Analysis of the choking behavior in centrifugal compressors and its impact on the compressor's performance.

Key Takeaways

- Axial flow turbo-machines, axial compressors, and axial turbines are given more emphasis due to their use in modern-day jet engines.
- Centrifugal compressors were used in the earliest jet engines and were gradually replaced by axial compressors.
- The thermodynamics of centrifugal compression process, power calculations, and the governing equations are crucial in centrifugal compressor design.
- Coriolis acceleration has a significant impact on the overall performance of a centrifugal compressor.
- The performance characteristics of a centrifugal compressor include problems of choking, stall surge, and the effect of slip factor on its performance.