Axial Flow Compressors

CHAPTER 4: AXIAL FLOW COMPRESSORS

4.1 Introduction:
An axial flow compressor is a pressure producing machine. The energy level of air or gas
flowing through it is increased by the action of the rotor blades which exert a torque on the fluid. This
torque is supplied by an external source- an electric motor or a steam or gas turbine. Besides numerous
industrial applications the multistage axial flow compressor is the principal element of all gas turbine
power plants for land and aeronautical applications.
4.2 Compressor Stage Velocity Triangles:
Question No 4.1: With a neat schematic diagram, explain an axial flow compressor. Also sketch, the
general velocity triangles for an axial flow compressor. (VTU, Dec-09/Jan-10, Jun/Jul-14)
Answer: A single stage axial flow compressor consisting one row of inlet guide vanes, one row of
rotor blades (moving blades) and one row of diffusers (fixed blades) as shown in figure 4.1(a). The
main function of the inlet guide vane is to control the direction of fluid flow at the rotor inlet. The rotor
blades exert a torque on the fluid, its pressure and velocity increases. The diffuser blades increase the
fluid pressure further by decreasing fluid velocity. The pressure and velocity variations through an
axial flow compressor stage are shown in the figure 4.1(b).

Fig. 4.1 The pressure and velocity variations through an axial flow compressor stage
The general velocity triangles for an axial flow compressor are shown in the figure 4.2. For
axial flow compressors the mean tangential rotor velocity remains constant (U1=U2=U). If the flow is
repeated in another stage of axial flow compressor, then V1=V3 and α1=α3.

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Axial Flow Compressors

Fig. 4.2 Velocity triangles for an axial flow compressor

4.3 Specific Work in an Axial Flow Compressor Stage:

Question No 4.2: Draw the set of velocity triangles for axial flow compressor stage and show that,
∆𝒉𝒐 = 𝑼𝑽𝒂 (𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟏 − 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟐 ), where Va is axial velocity, U is blade speed and γ1 and γ2 are the inlet
and outlet blade angles with respect to axial direction. Or,
Draw the set of velocity triangles for axial flow compressor stage and show that, ∆𝒉𝒐 =
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷 −𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷
𝑼𝑽𝒂 [ 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷𝟐 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷 𝟏 ], where Va is axial velocity, U is blade speed and β1 and β2 are the inlet and outlet
𝟏 𝟐

blade angles with respect to tangential direction.

Answer: The general velocity diagram for axial flow compressor stage is as shown in figure 4.2. For
axial flow machines the blade speed and the axial velocity may assume to be constant. That is, 𝑈1 =
𝑈2 = 𝑈 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉𝑎1 = 𝑉𝑎2 = 𝑉𝑎
Energy transfer of an axial flow compressor is given as:
𝑒 = ∆ℎ𝑜 = 𝑈(𝑉𝑢2 − 𝑉𝑢1 )
(Because, in axial flow compressor the working fluid is usually combustion gases)
From inlet velocity triangle,
𝑉𝑢1
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜 = ⟹ 𝑉𝑢1 = 𝑉𝑎1 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜 = 𝑉𝑎 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜
𝑉𝑎1
𝐴𝐵
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 = ⟹ 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑉𝑎1 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 = 𝑉𝑎 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1
𝑉𝑎1
𝑈 = 𝐴𝐵 + 𝑉𝑢1 = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜 )
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Axial Flow Compressors

From outlet velocity triangle,

𝑉𝑢2
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾3 = ⟹ 𝑉𝑢2 = 𝑉𝑎2 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾3 = 𝑉𝑎 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾3
𝑉𝑎2
𝐴𝐵
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 = ⟹ 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑉𝑎2 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 = 𝑉𝑎 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2
𝑉𝑎2
𝑈 = 𝐴𝐵 + 𝑉𝑢2 = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾3 )
Then, 𝑈 = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜 ) = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾3 )
Or, (𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟏 − 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟐 ) = (𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟑 − 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝒐 )
Then, ∆ℎ𝑜 = 𝑈(𝑉𝑢2 − 𝑉𝑢1 ) = 𝑈(𝑉𝑎 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾3 − 𝑉𝑎 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜 ) = 𝑈𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾3 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜 )
Or, ∆𝒉𝒐 = 𝑼𝑽𝒂 (𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟏 − 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟐 )
Where γ1 and γ2 are the inlet and outlet blade angles with respect to axial direction are also known as
Air angles.
Or, ∆ℎ𝑜 = 𝑈𝑉𝑎 [tan(90𝑜 − 𝛽1 ) − tan(90𝑜 − 𝛽2 )]
∆𝒉𝒐 = 𝑼𝑽𝒂 [𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝜷𝟏 − 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝜷𝟐 ]
1 1
Or, ∆ℎ𝑜 = 𝑈𝑉𝑎 [tan 𝛽 − tan 𝛽 ]
1 2

𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷𝟐 − 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷𝟏
∆𝒉𝒐 = 𝑼𝑽𝒂 [ ]
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷𝟏 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷𝟐
Where β1 and β2 are the inlet and outlet blade angles with respect to tangential direction.
Note: 𝑈 = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜 ) = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛(90𝑜 − 𝛽1 ) + 𝑡𝑎𝑛(90𝑜 − 𝛼1 ))
𝑈 = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼1 )
Similarly, 𝑈 = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽2 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼2 )
And also, (𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽2 ) = (𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼2 − 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼1 )
4.4 Degree of Reaction:
Question No 4.3: With the help of inlet and outlet velocity triangles, show that the degree of reaction
𝑽𝒂
for axial flow compressor as 𝑹 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝒎 , where Va is axial velocity, U is blade speed and
𝑼
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟏 +𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟐
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝒎 = γ1 and γ2 are the inlet and outlet blade angles with respect to axial direction.
𝟐

(VTU, Jun-12, Dec-06/Jan-07, Jun/Jul-13) Or,

With the help of inlet and outlet velocity triangles, show that the degree of reaction for axial flow
𝑽𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒕𝜷𝟏 +𝒄𝒐𝒕𝜷𝟐
compressor as 𝑹 = 𝒄𝒐𝒕𝜷𝒎 , where Va is axial velocity, U is blade speed and 𝒄𝒐𝒕𝜷𝒎 =
𝑼 𝟐

β1 and β2 are the inlet and outlet blade angles with respect to tangential direction. Or,
Draw the velocity triangles for an axial flow compressor and show that for an axial flow compressor
𝑽 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷 +𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷
having no axial thrust, the degree of reaction is given by: 𝑹 = 𝟐𝑼𝒂 [ 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷𝟏 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷 𝟐 ], where Va is axial
𝟏 𝟐

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Axial Flow Compressors

velocity, U is blade speed and β1 and β2 are the inlet and outlet blade angles with respect to
tangential direction. (VTU, Jan/Feb-03, Jun/Jul-11, May/Jun-10)
Answer: The general velocity diagram for axial flow compressor stage is as shown in figure 4.2. For
axial flow machines the blade speed and the axial velocity may assume to be constant. That is, 𝑈1 =
𝑈2 = 𝑈 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉𝑎1 = 𝑉𝑎2 = 𝑉𝑎
Degree of reaction for axial flow compressor is:
1 1
[(𝑉 2 2 )] 2
[(𝑉𝑟1 2 )]
2 𝑟1 − 𝑉𝑟2 − 𝑉𝑟2
𝑅= = 2
1 2 2 2 2 𝑒
[(𝑉 ) (𝑉 )]
2 2 − 𝑉1 − 𝑟2 − 𝑉𝑟1
But, 𝑒 = ∆ℎ𝑜 = 𝑈𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 )
2 2 2 2
From inlet velocity triangle, 𝑉𝑟1 = 𝐴𝐵 2 + 𝑉𝑎1 = 𝑉𝑎1 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝛾1 + 𝑉𝑎1
2
𝑉𝑟1 = 𝑉𝑎2 + 𝑉𝑎2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝛾1
Similarly from outlet velocity triangle,
2
𝑉𝑟2 = 𝑉𝑎2 + 𝑉𝑎2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝛾2
Then,
𝑉𝑎2 + 𝑉𝑎2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝛾1 − (𝑉𝑎2 + 𝑉𝑎2 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝛾2 )
𝑅=
2𝑈𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 )
𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝛾1 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝛾2 )
𝑅=
2𝑈(𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 )
𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 )
𝑅=( )
𝑈 2
𝑽𝒂
𝑹= 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝒎
𝑼
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 +𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2
Where 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑚 = γ1 and γ2 are the inlet and outlet blade angles with respect to axial
2

direction.
Or,
𝑉𝑎 [tan(90𝑜 − 𝛽1 ) + tan(90𝑜 − 𝛽2 )]
𝑅=( )
𝑈 2
𝑉𝑎 [cotβ1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽2 ]
𝑅=( )
𝑈 2
𝑽𝒂
𝑹= 𝒄𝒐𝒕𝜷𝒎
𝑼
𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽1 +𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽2
Where 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽𝑚 = β1 and β2 are the inlet and outlet blade angles with respect to tangential
2

direction.
Or,

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Axial Flow Compressors

𝑉𝑎 1 1
𝑅=( )[ + ]
2𝑈 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛽1 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛽2
𝑽𝒂 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷𝟏 + 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷𝟐
𝑹= [ ]
𝟐𝑼 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷𝟏 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜷𝟐
Or,
1 𝑉𝑎
𝑅 = ( ) (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 )
2 𝑈
1 𝑉𝑎
𝑅 = ( ) [(𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾0 ) − (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾0 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 )]
2 𝑈
But, 𝑈 = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜 )
1 𝑉𝑎 𝑈
𝑅 = ( ) [( ) − (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾0 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2 )]
2 𝑈 𝑉𝑎
𝟏 𝟏 𝑽𝒂
𝑹 = − ( ) (𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟎 − 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟐 )
𝟐 𝟐 𝑼
Or,
1 1 𝑉𝑎
𝑅= − ( ) (𝑡𝑎𝑛(90𝑜 − 𝛼1 ) − 𝑡𝑎𝑛(90𝑜 − 𝛽2 ))
2 2 𝑈
𝟏 𝟏 𝑽𝒂
𝑹 = − ( ) (𝒄𝒐𝒕𝜶𝟏 − 𝒄𝒐𝒕𝜷𝟐 )
𝟐 𝟐 𝑼
4.5 Compressor Stage Efficiency and Stage Pressure Ratio:
Question No 4.4: Draw h-s diagram for an axial flow compressor to show salient points.
(SSAHE, Jan-13)
Question No 4.5: Derive an expression for overall pressure ratio across a stage of an axial flow
compressor. (VTU, Jan-12)
Answer: Figure 4.3 shows the enthalpy-entropy diagram for a general axial flow compressor stage.
State points with superscript are correspond to isentropic compression processes. Air enters the rotor
blades with lower absolute velocity V1 and leaves with large absolute velocity V2. This absolute
velocity reduces to V3 when it passes through the diffuser blades, which is slightly higher than V1. It
V21
can be observed that stagnation pressure Po1 will be higher than static pressure P1 by an amount .
2
V22
Similarly Po2 is much higher than static pressure P2 by an amount . The flow occurs at constant
2

enthalpy, thus ℎ𝑜2 = ℎ𝑜3 .

The stage efficiency of the compressor based on stagnation conditions at entry and exit is given by,
𝑊𝑖𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑜3′ − ℎ𝑜1 𝑐𝑝 (𝑇𝑜3′ − 𝑇𝑜1 )
𝜂𝑐 = = =
𝑊𝑎𝑐𝑡 ℎ𝑜3 − ℎ𝑜1 𝑐𝑝 (𝑇𝑜3 − 𝑇𝑜1 )
𝑻𝒐𝟑′ − 𝑻𝒐𝟏
𝜼𝒄 =
𝑻𝒐𝟑 − 𝑻𝒐𝟏
Or,

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Axial Flow Compressors

𝑇𝑜3′
𝑇𝑜1 ( − 1)
𝑇𝑜1
𝜂𝑐 =
𝑇𝑜3 − 𝑇𝑜1

Fig. 4.3 Enthalpy-entropy diagram of an axial flow compressor

But the overall pressure ratio per stage is,
𝛾−1
𝑇𝑜3′ 𝑃𝑜3 𝛾
=( )
𝑇𝑜1 𝑃𝑜1
Then,
𝛾−1
𝑃 𝛾
𝑇𝑜1 [(𝑃𝑜3 ) − 1]
𝑜1
𝜂𝑐 =
𝑇𝑜3 − 𝑇𝑜1
Or,
𝜸
𝑷𝒐𝟑 𝜼𝒄 (𝑻𝒐𝟑 − 𝑻𝒐𝟏 ) 𝜸−𝟏
𝑷𝒓𝒐 = = [𝟏 + ]
𝑷𝒐𝟏 𝑻𝒐𝟏
The work input to the axial flow compressor is,

𝑤 = ∆ℎ𝑜 = (ℎ𝑜3 − ℎ𝑜1 ) = 𝑐𝑝 (𝑇𝑜3 − 𝑇𝑜1 ) = 𝑈𝑉𝑎 [cot 𝛽1 − cot 𝛽2 ]

𝑈𝑉𝑎 [cot 𝛽1 − cot 𝛽2 ]
(𝑇𝑜3 − 𝑇𝑜1 ) =
𝑐𝑝
Then,

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Axial Flow Compressors

𝜸
𝑷𝒐𝟑 𝜼𝒄 𝑼𝑽𝒂 (𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝜷𝟏 − 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝜷𝟐 ) 𝜸−𝟏
𝑷𝒓𝒐 = = [𝟏 + ]
𝑷𝒐𝟏 𝒄𝒑 𝑻𝒐𝟏

4.6 Work Done Factor:

Question No 4.6: Define work done factor. Explain why stage work absorbing capacity is less than
that of Euler’s equation based on a mean value of axial velocity along blade height in the
subsequent stages of a multistage axial flow compressor with the help of typical axial velocity
distributions along blade heights. (VTU, Jul-07)
Answer: Due to the growth of boundary layers on the hub and casing of the axial flow compressor, the
axial velocity along the blade height is not uniform. This effect is not so significant in the first stage of
a multi-stage machine but is quite significant in the subsequent stages.

Fig. 4.3 Axial velocity profile along blade height in an axial flow compressor
Figure 4.3 shows the axial velocity distribution in the first and last stages of a multi-stage axial
flow compressor. The degree of distortion in the axial velocity distribution will depend on the number
of the stages. On account of this, axial velocity in the hub and tip regions is much less than the mean
value, whereas in the central region its value is higher than the mean.
The effect of this phenomenon on the work absorbing capacity of the stages can be explained
as follows:
𝑤 = ∆ℎ𝑜 = 𝑈𝑉𝑎 [cot 𝛽1 − cot 𝛽2 ]

𝑤 = 𝑈[𝑉𝑎 (cot 𝛽1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼1 ) − 𝑉𝑎 (cot 𝛽2 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼1 )]

But, 𝑈 = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼1 )
𝒘 = 𝑼[𝑼 − 𝑽𝒂 (𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝜷𝟐 + 𝒄𝒐𝒕𝜶𝟏 )]
In cascade design, generally the value of α1, β2 and U will be kept constant. It may be seen
from the above equation that the work absorption capacity decreases with an increase in the axial
velocity and vice versa. Therefore, the work absorbing capacity of the stage is reduced in the central
region of the annulus and increased in the hub and tip region. However, the expected increase in the

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Axial Flow Compressors

work at the tip and hub is not obtained in actual practice on account of higher losses. Therefore stage
work is less than that given by the Euler’s equation based on a constant value of the axial velocity
along the blade height. This reduction in the work absorbing capacity of the stage is taken into account
by a “work done factor”.
The work done factor (Ω) is defined as the ratio of stage work to Euler’s work. It can also be
defined as the ratio of actual work absorbing capacity to ideal work absorbing capacity.
4.7 Radial Equilibrium Condition:
The fluid motion through the blade rows of axial turbomachines is assumed to be two-dimensional in
the sense that radial velocities did not exist. This assumption is reasonable for axial turbomachines of
high hub-tip ratio. However, with hub-tip ratios less than about 0.8, radial velocities through a blade
row may become appreciable, the consequent redistribution of mass flow (with respect to radius)
seriously affecting the outlet velocity profile (and flow angle distribution). The temporary imbalance
between the strong centrifugal forces exerted on the fluid and radial pressures restoring equilibrium is
responsible for these radial flows. Thus, to an observer travelling with a fluid particle, radial motion
will continue until sufficient fluid is transported (radially) to change the pressure distribution to that
necessary for equilibrium.
Question No 4.7: What is radial equilibrium in an axial flow compressor? Derive an expression for
radial equilibrium in terms of flow velocity and whirl velocity of a fluid. (VTU, Jun/Jul-08, Dec-10)
Answer: The flow in an annular passage in which there is no radial component of velocity, whose
streamlines lie in circular, cylindrical surfaces and which is axisymmetric, is commonly known as
radial equilibrium flow.
An analysis called the radial equilibrium method, widely used for three-dimensional design
calculations in axial compressors and turbines, is based upon the assumption that any radial flow
which may occur is completed within a blade row, the flow outside the row then being in radial
equilibrium. Figure 4.4 illustrates the nature of this assumption.

Fig. 4.4 Radial equilibrium flow through axial flow compressor annulus

Euler’s momentum equation in the radial direction for axisymmetric, three dimensional flow in
cylindrical co-ordinate is:
𝑑𝑉𝑚 𝑑𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑢2 1 𝑑𝑃
𝑉𝑚 + 𝑉𝑎 − =−
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑥 𝑟 𝜌 𝑑𝑟
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Axial Flow Compressors

Where, Vm= Radial velocity component, Va= Axial velocity component, Vu= Tangential velocity
component, dP/dr= Radial pressure gradient.
For radial equilibrium, dVm=0
𝑽𝟐𝒖 𝟏 𝒅𝑷
=
𝒓 𝝆 𝒅𝒓
For isentropic incompressible flow,
𝜌𝑉 2 𝜌
𝑃𝑜 = 𝑃 + = 𝑃 + [𝑉𝑚2 + 𝑉𝑎2 + 𝑉𝑢2 ]
2 2
But, Vm=0
𝜌
𝑃𝑜 = 𝑃 + [𝑉𝑎2 + 𝑉𝑢2 ]
2
In differential form,
𝑑𝑃𝑜 𝑑𝑃 𝜌 𝑑𝑉𝑎 𝑑𝑉𝑢
= + [2𝑉𝑎 + 2𝑉𝑢 ]
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 2 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
𝟏 𝒅𝑷 𝟏 𝒅𝑷𝒐 𝒅𝑽𝒂 𝒅𝑽𝒖
= − 𝑽𝒂 − 𝑽𝒖
𝝆 𝒅𝒓 𝝆 𝒅𝒓 𝒅𝒓 𝒅𝒓
Then,
𝑉𝑢2 1 𝑑𝑃𝑜 𝑑𝑉𝑎 𝑑𝑉𝑢
= − 𝑉𝑎 − 𝑉𝑢
𝑟 𝜌 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
Or,

𝒅𝑽𝒂 𝒅𝑽𝒖 𝑽𝟐𝒖 𝟏 𝒅𝑷𝒐

𝑽𝒂 + 𝑽𝒖 + =
𝒅𝒓 𝒅𝒓 𝒓 𝝆 𝒅𝒓
The above equation is the radial equilibrium equation for axisymmetric steady flow in axial flow
compressor.
The stagnation pressure assumed to be constant along the blade height, in the flow through
compressor blade rows. Therefore,
𝑑𝑃𝑜
=0
𝑑𝑟
𝑑𝑉𝑎 𝑑𝑉𝑢 𝑉𝑢2
𝑉𝑎 + 𝑉𝑢 + =0
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑟
1 2 𝑑𝑉𝑢 2
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑉𝑎
{𝑟 2𝑉𝑢 + 𝑉𝑢 2𝑟 } + 2𝑉𝑎 =0
𝑟2 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
𝟏 𝒅(𝒓𝑽𝒖 )𝟐 𝒅(𝑽𝒂 )𝟐
+ =𝟎
𝒓𝟐 𝒅𝒓 𝒅𝒓
The above expression is for radial equilibrium in terms of flow velocity and whirl velocity of a fluid.

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Axial Flow Compressors

4.8 Free-vortex Flow:

Question No 4.8: Briefly explain how the free-vortex flow theory is used in axial-flow compressors
in determining the air angles at different blade height. (VTU, Jan/Feb-06, Jun/Jul-09)
Answer: If the axial velocity is constant from blade-root to blade tip, the resulting flow is a free vortex
flow.

For free vortex flow, 𝑉𝑎1ℎ = 𝑉𝑎1𝑡 = 𝑉𝑎1𝑚 = 𝑉𝑎1 (At rotor entry)
𝑉𝑎2ℎ = 𝑉𝑎2𝑡 = 𝑉𝑎2𝑚 = 𝑉𝑎2 (At rotor exit)
For radial equilibrium condition,
1 𝑑(𝑟𝑉𝑢 )2 𝑑(𝑉𝑎 )2
+ =0
𝑟 2 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
For axial flow machine, 𝑉𝑎1 = 𝑉𝑎2 = 𝑉𝑎 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
Therefore,
𝑑(𝑟𝑉𝑢 )2
=0
𝑑𝑟
𝒓𝑽𝒖 = 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕
At rotor entry, 𝑟ℎ 𝑉𝑢1ℎ = 𝑟𝑡 𝑉𝑢1𝑡 = 𝑟𝑚 𝑉𝑢1𝑚 = 𝐶1
At rotor exit, 𝑟ℎ 𝑉𝑢2ℎ = 𝑟𝑡 𝑉𝑢2𝑡 = 𝑟𝑚 𝑉𝑢2𝑚 = 𝐶2
Air angles at different blade height can be determined as follows:
At rotor entry: For hub section,
𝑉𝑢1ℎ 𝐶1 𝐶1 𝑪𝟏
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜ℎ = = = ⟹ 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝒐𝒉 =
𝑉𝑎1ℎ 𝑟ℎ 𝑉𝑎1ℎ 𝑟ℎ 𝑉𝑎1 𝒓 𝒉 𝑽𝒂
But, 𝑈ℎ = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1ℎ + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜ℎ )

𝑈ℎ
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾1ℎ = − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾𝑜ℎ
𝑉𝑎

𝑼𝒉 𝑪𝟏
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟏𝒉 = −
𝑽 𝒂 𝒓 𝒉 𝑽𝒂

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Axial Flow Compressors

Similarly for tip section,

𝑪𝟏
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝒐𝒕 =
𝒓 𝒕 𝑽𝒂

𝑼𝒕 𝑪𝟏
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟏𝒕 = −
𝑽 𝒂 𝒓 𝒕 𝑽𝒂

At rotor exit: For hub section,

𝑉𝑢2ℎ 𝐶2 𝐶2 𝑪𝟐
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾3ℎ = = = ⟹ 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟑𝒉 =
𝑉𝑎2ℎ 𝑟ℎ 𝑉𝑎2ℎ 𝑟ℎ 𝑉𝑎2 𝒓 𝒉 𝑽𝒂
But, 𝑈ℎ = 𝑉𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2ℎ + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾3ℎ )

𝑈ℎ
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾2ℎ = − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛾3ℎ
𝑉𝑎

𝑼𝒉 𝑪𝟐
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟐𝒉 = −
𝑽 𝒂 𝒓 𝒉 𝑽𝒂

Similarly for tip section,

𝑪𝟐
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟑𝒕 =
𝒓 𝒕 𝑽𝒂

𝑼𝒕 𝑪𝟐
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜸𝟐𝒕 = −
𝑽 𝒂 𝒓 𝒕 𝑽𝒂

4.9 Compressor Cascade:

Question No. 4.9: With reference to axial flow compressors define the following: (i) chord line (ii)
camber line (iii) angle of attack (iv) pressure ratio (v) pressure coefficient (vi) flow coefficient.
(SSAHE, Jan-12)
Answer: The rows of stator and rotor blades of an axial flow compressor constitute cascades of
airfoils. Blades of identical shape and size are arranged in a row called a cascade of blades. In turbines
and compressors, the blades are generally mounted on the periphery of the rotor hub or annular space.

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Axial Flow Compressors

The following are the definitions of some terms used in relation to cascade and its
performance:
Camber line: It is the locus of the centers of circles which are inscribed inside the airfoil tangentially
to both the suction and pressure surfaces of the airfoil. Which is nothing but a blade section of
infinitesimal thickness is a curved line known as camber line.
Chord line: It is a straight line which contacts the airfoil trailing edge at one end and the tip of camber
line at the leading edge. The chord length is the distance between the tip and nose of the airfoil
measured along the chord.
Angle of attack: If a horizontal line is drawn from trailing edge, the angle α makes with the bottom
surface of the suction is known as angle of attack.
Pressure ratio: It is the ratio of stagnation pressure at stator outlet to that at rotor inlet.
𝑃𝑜3
𝑃𝑟𝑜 =
𝑃𝑜1
Pressure coefficient: It is the ratio of the actual stagnation enthalpy change to the kinetic energy of a
fluid which has the same speed as the blades.
Δℎ𝑜 Δ𝑃𝑜
ψ𝑝 = 2 =
𝑈 𝜌𝑈 2
(2) (
2 )
Flow coefficient: It is the ratio of the flow velocity to the blade velocity.
𝑉𝑎
𝜓𝑓 =
𝑈

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