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Radial Inflow Turbine One and Tri-Dimensional Design Analysis of 600 kW

Simple Cycle Gas Turbine Engine

Conference Paper · October 2010

DOI: 10.1115/GT2010-22951

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 Proceedings
Proceedings of
of ASME
RADIAL INFLOW TURBINE ONE AND TRI-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN ANALYSIS OF
600 kW SIMPLE CYCLE GAS TURBINE ENGINE
Rubén A. Miranda Carrillo
Marco A.R. Nascimento
Elkin I. Gutiérrez Velásquez
Universidade Federal de Itajubá – UNIFEI
Instituto de Engenharia Mecânica
37500-903 Itajubá MG, Brasil.
55-35-3629 1355, e-mail: ruben.miranda@unifei.edu.br
ABSTRACT.
Microturbines have been developed as an important power
unit for distributed generation (DG) or distributed energy
resource (DER) options [1]. They have been established and are
widely used in aircraft and power applications, due to their easy
installation, reliability, high performance, multi-fuel capabilities
and low emission [2]. However, the aerothermodynamic design
of a radial turbine still poses a challenge due to its high
rotational speed and high inlet temperature, which influence the
centrifugal stress and the rotor structural integrity.
This paper presents the numerical investigations on the
aerothermodynamic design of the nozzle and the radial inflow
rotor for a 600 kW simple cycle gas turbine engine using a
One-dimensional Computer FORTRAN Code (OFC) [3], on the
grounds of non-dimensional parameters aimed at computational
and work time reduction. This program utilizes a one-
dimensional solution of flow conditions through the turbine
along the meanline. The referred computer program is an
effective performance prediction tool mostly in the initial stage
of the preliminary design and can be used to quickly investigate
and calculate the number of design options prior to any details
of the vane and blade geometry. In order to find the most
promising design option, a computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) simulation has been used to study the performance, the
aerothermodynamic design and the flow characteristics of the
turbine components. The OFC results were compared with the
CFD simulation, a computer program for the design analysis of
radial inflow turbines, and analytical results taken from
specialized literature showed the results were in agreement.
ASME Turbo
Turbo Expo
Expo 2010:
2010: Power
Power for
for Land,
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Sea and
and Air
Air
GT2010
GT2010
June
June 14-18,
14-18, 2010,
2010, Glasgow,
Glasgow, UK
UK
GT2010-
GT2010-22951
Newton R. Moura
Petrobras Research and Development Centre (CENPES)
Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
INTRODUCTION.
Gas turbines have been used as primary drivers in the
industrial and aircraft sectors for electric power generation,
mechanical drive and propulsion of industrial heat exchangers.
Nevertheless, the technical evolution of their components and
the drop in prices has substantially increased the share of
industrial gas turbines worldwide [4]. For this reason, the
Federal University of Itajubá and its Energy Conversion
Technology Research Group (GETEC), has worked on the
development of projects focusing on the design of power units
with varied fuel types. The aim has been to offer technical,
economical and environmental solution to the problem of
providing reliable and stable energy to the industrial segment
and remote rural communities far from the interconnected
electricity grid.
The analysis of power or propulsion systems involves
repetitive calculations of component performance and
geometry. One-dimensional computer programs and
computational simulations are a promising means for the cost
relief; however, they require a flexible software simulation
system capable of integrating advanced multidisciplinary and
multifidelity analysis methods. This paper presents the
numerical investigations on the aerothermodynamic design of
the nozzle and radial inflow rotor for a 600 kW simple cycle
gas turbine engine using a one-dimensional computer
FORTRAN code (OFC), based mainly on non-dimensional
parameters aimed at computational and work time reduction.
Quickly computed, the designer can experiment with a large
number of geometric options before any details of the blade and
vane geometry have been fixed [5] and explore their effects on
1 Copyright © 2010 by ASME
performance in a short period of time. The OFC results were
compared with the CFD simulation, a computer program for the
design analysis of radial inflow turbines and analytical results
taken from specialized literature. The comparisons showed the
results were in agreement.
for radial turbo machineries. The pressure ratio was 4 and TIT
of 850ºC (1123 K) was selected as it is the highest temperature
put up by the material of the radial turbine, while maintaining
the mechanical resistance and the useful life without any blade
cooling.

NOMENCLATURE. TABLE 1. DESIGN POINT INPUT PARAMETERS FOR GAS

Aeff Effective area TURBINE ENGINE SIMULATION.
Ageo Geometric area Description Values Units
B Blockage factor Ambient temperature 288 K
Ambient pressure 101.32 kPa
b Blade or vane height [mm]
Turbine inlet temperature 1123 K
C Absolute velocity [m/s]
Fuel temperature 288 K
c Tip clearance [mm] Pressure ratio 4 --
M Mach number Compressor adiabatic efficiency 80 %
.
m Mass flow rate [kg/s] Combustion adiabatic efficiency 99 %
P Static pressure [kPa] Turbine efficiency 85 %
Poo Inlet turbine total pressure [kPa] Mechanical efficiency 98 %
R Gas constant [J/kgK] Recuperator effectiveness 92 %
Combustion chamber pressure loss 2 %
RPts Total to static turbine pressure ratio
Recuperator pressure loss (air) 3 %
r Radius [mm]
Recuperator pressure loss (gas) 4 kPa
SST Shear Stress Transport Air humidity 60 %
Sw Power ratio Gas turbine power output 600 kW
T Static temperature [K]
Too Inlet turbine total temperature [K]
A MEANLINE PRELIMINARY DESIGN.
TIT Turbine inlet temperature [ºC]
The preliminary design of a radial turbine begins with the
t Thickness [mm]
design specification, which could include requirements for
U Blade speed [m/s]
shaft speed, power output, mass flow rate and turbine pressure
V Relative velocity [m/s]
ratio [7]. The one-dimensional computer FORTRAN code
WR Relative velocity ratio
(OFC) for the design and analysis of radial inflow turbine
ZB Number of blades o vanes
components was developed. It uses a one-dimensional solution
of flow conditions through the turbine along the meanline and
Greek Symbols
includes consideration of nozzle and rotor trailing-edge
α Absolute flow angle [°] blockage. The blockage refers to the difference between the real
β Relative flow angle [°] area that circulates the fluid and the geometric area of the
η Efficiency [%] component.
ρ Density [kg/m3]
υ Rotor exit hub to shroud radius ratio A
γ
eff
Specific heat ratio B = 1− 1)
A
Δ Radius variation [mm] geo

Subscripts This analysis is based on the assumption that there is a

n Nozzle mean streamline running through the machine and the
r Rotor conditions on this streamline are representative of the stations
ts Total to static being considered [8]. The objective of a meanline analysis is to
t Total not reveal the full details of the flow state and velocity through
θ Tangential direction the machine, but conversely, it is limited to determine the
0 Nozzle inlet machine’s overall performance or the combination of overall
1 Nozzle outlet geometric parameters achieving maximum efficiency [9]. The
2 Rotor inlet main differences between the NASA computer program for the
3 Rotor outlet design analysis of radial inflow turbines and the one-
dimensional computer FORTRAN code (OFC) consist of the
GAS TURBINE ENGINE SIMULATION: DESIGN POINT. quantity of the program input parameters utilized in the
The thermal performance simulation for the design point of components preliminary design and the calculus methodology.
the 600 kW simple cycle gas turbine engine at steady state Table 2 shows that the OFC program utilizes 57% of input
condition was carried out through the use of the GE Gate Cycle parameters while the NASA TN D-8164 utilizes 70%, also,
Enter software 5.51. The design input parameters used in the knowledge of the turbine geometry and the basic overall
Gate Cycle simulation are shown in Table 1 [6]. The parameter dimension is required for the preliminary design.
values selected in Table 1 were based on current technologies

2 Copyright © 2010 by ASME

 TABLE 2. COMPARISON OF DESIGN POINT INPUT TABLE 4. ROTOR OUTPUTS PARAMETERS.
PARAMETERS. Description Units
NASA TN Blade height mm
Description OFC Radius mm
D-8164
Mass flow rate -- Axial length mm
Inlet turbine total temperature Thickness mm
Inlet turbine total pressure Number of blades --
Total to static turbine pressure ratio -- Relative flow angle °
Total to static rotor efficiency -- Absolute flow angle °
Total nozzle efficiency -- Ratio of rotor exit shroud to inlet diameter --
Rotor inlet relative flow angle -- Ratio of rotor exit hub to inlet diameter --
Rotor outlet relative flow angle -- Ratio of rotor exit hub to shroud diameter --
Nozzle inlet absolute flow angle -- Tip clearance mm
Nozzle outlet absolute flow angle -- Total temperature K
Rotor exit hub to shroud radius ratio Static temperature K
Rotor exit shroud to rotor inlet radius ratio -- Total pressure kPa
Nozzle inlet to rotor inlet radius ratio -- Static pressure kPa
Nozzle exit to rotor inlet radius ratio -- Absolute velocity m/s
Nozzle aspect ratio Blade speed m/s
Specific heat ratio Relative velocity m/s
Tip clearance
Relative velocity ratio -- Table 5 describes the basic input values of the
Rotor blade thickness -- thermodynamic parameters of the 600 kW simple gas turbine
Nozzle vane thickness --
engine.
Nozzle radius ratio
Rotor loss-coefficient -- TABLE 5. BASIC DESIGN POINT INPUT PARAMETERS OF
Nozzle loss-coefficient -- NOZZLE AND RADIAL INFLOW ROTOR FOR A 600 kW
Gas constant -- SIMPLE CYCLE GAS TURBINE ENGINE.
Rotative speed -- Description Values Units
Shaft power -- Mass flow rate 4.5 kg/s
Inlet turbine total temperature 1123 K
Table 3 describes the aerothermodynamic output Inlet turbine total pressure 396 kPa
parameters and the units calculated by OFC for nozzle turbine. Total to static turbine pressure ratio 3.96 --
Total to static rotor efficiency 85 %
TABLE 3. NOZZLE OUTPUTS PARAMETERS. Total nozzle efficiency 90 %
Description Units Inlet relative flow angle -25 º
Vane height mm Outlet relative flow angle -60 º
Nozzle radius mm Rotor exit hub to shroud radius ratio 0.23 --
Thickness mm Specific heat ratio 287 J/kgK
Number of vanes -- Tip clearance 1 mm
Absolute flow angle ° Relative velocity ratio 3.06 --
Ratio of nozzle inlet to rotor inlet diameter -- Rotor blade thickness 1 mm
Ratio of nozzle exit to rotor inlet diameter -- Nozzle vane thickness 1 mm
Ratio of nozzle inlet vane height to rotor inlet diameter --
Ratio of nozzle exit vane height to rotor inlet diameter -- This computer program initially calculates the velocity
Ratio to nozzle inlet to nozzle exit diameter -- triangle and the Mach number at the rotor inlet, simultaneously
Total temperature K with the thermodynamic relation between the temperatures and
Static temperature K pressures at this point. The next step is the calculation of the
Total pressure kPa velocity triangle at the discharge, aimed at finding the discharge
Static pressure kPa end speed and the relative Mach number. Once the velocity
Absolute velocity m/s triangles are established, the one-dimensional computer
FORTRAN code (OFC) initiates the calculation of the non-
Table 4 describes the aerothermodynamic output dimensional performance parameters and the specific speed.
parameters and the units calculated by OFC for radial inflow The axial, tip and radial clearance effect on the aerodynamic
rotor turbine. performance is taken into account and is assumed to act as an
orifice. Shear flow is assumed to exist in the clearance gap,
with a velocity varying linearly from zero at the wall to the
blade speed at the blade tip. Suitably, the geometrical size of
the designed nozzle and the radial inflow rotor turbine are
shown in Figure 1a and 1b.

3 Copyright © 2010 by ASME

 a) PROFILES OF THE NOZZLE AND RADIAL ROTOR.
b) INLET VELOCITY TRIANGLES.

FIGURE 2. ROTOR VELOCITY TRIANGLES.

The geometric parameters and the thermodynamic study

were used to calculate the quantities involved in the flow
dynamics for the turbine.

Governing equations.
In the OFC method the modeling of flow passage radial
inflow turbine is divided into several regions, Figure 3 shows
the imaginary inlet duct (a-0), nozzle (0-1), interspaces (1-2),
rotor (2-3) and imaginary outlet duct (3-4). The flow is
modeled in each part separately.

b) GEOMETRY IN MERIDIONAL VIEW.

FIGURE 1. MAIN GEOMETRY OF THE TURBINE STAGE.

Velocity triangles.
In this phase of the project the turbine itself was developed,
finding the appropriate geometry, the required number and size
of vanes and blades of the nozzle and rotor, respectively.
Furthermore, the nozzle will be sized before the turbine as it
plays an important role in the flow acceleration. An important
detail is that the flow should be subsonic, in order to prevent
the formation of shock waves. For the turbine design, it is
essential to study the flow through the passages between the
blades and vanes on the basis of the velocity triangle theory.
Figure 2a and 2b illustrate both the velocity triangles at the
rotor exit and inlet of a radial turbine, and the nomenclature
used in the paper for the velocity vectors.

a) EXIT VELOCITY TRIANGLES. FIGURE 3. MODELATION AND SIMULATION REGIONS.

4 Copyright © 2010 by ASME

 The general requirement for the analytical procedure is to
predict the component discharge conditions from the known
inlet conditions and component geometry. The computed
discharge conditions then become known inlet conditions for
the next component. The principal equation of the flow model
is the non-dimensionless power ratio equation 18) which
combines the total to static rotor efficiency and the total to
static turbine pressure ratio. The power ratio determines the
blade speed necessary to achieve it. Equations 19), 20), 21), 22)
and 23) describe the rotor inlet velocity triangle. Equations 27),
28), 29), 30) and 31) describe the rotor outlet velocity triangle
whereas the other equations calculate the rotor non-dimensional
parameters. The nozzle most important equations are 2) and 3).
Equation 2) calculates the nozzle inlet radius through the nozzle
radius ratio and equation 3) calculates the nozzle inlet absolute
velocity while the other equations calculate the nozzle non-
dimensional parameters. FIGURE 4. NOZZLE VANE CONFIGURATION.

Nozzle design: Aerothermodynamic formulation. Table 7 presents the nozzle geometric and thermodynamic
The radius of the nozzle vane inlet and outlet at the design output parameters at the design point calculate by OFC.
point were determined according to the turbine rotor diameter
and the geometric constraint conditions. Table 6 [10,11], shows TABLE 7. NOZZLE AEROTHERMODYNAMICS OUTPUTS.
the nozzle inlet and outlet aerothermodynamic model. Inlet (0) Outlet (1)
Description Values Values Units
TABLE 6. NOZZLE AEROTHERMODYNAMIC MODEL. Vane height 33.51 33.51 mm
Nozzle condition Nozzle radius 278.48 227.67 mm
Inlet Outlet Thickness 1 1 mm
⎛ r0 ⎞ Number of vanes 17 --
r0 = r1 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ 2) r1 = r2 + Δr 10) Absolute flow angle 54.59 77.97 °
⎝ r1 ⎠ Ratio of nozzle inlet to rotor
1.25 -- --
.
⎛r ⎞ inlet diameter
m C θ1 = ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟C θ 2 11) Ratio of nozzle exit to rotor
C0 = 3) -- 1.04 --
2πr0 b 0 ρ 0 cos α 0 ⎝ r1 ⎠ inlet diameter
C θ1 Ratio of nozzle inlet vane
C θ 0 = C 0 sin α 0 4) C1 = 12) 0.07 -- --
sinα1 height to rotor inlet diameter
Ratio of nozzle exit vane height
C θ1 -- 0.07 --
Cm 0 = C0 cos α0 5) C m1 = 13) to rotor inlet diameter
tanα1
Ratio to nozzle inlet to nozzle
1.19 --
C 02 C12 exit diameter
T0 = T00 − 6) T1 = T01 − 14) Total temperature 1123 1123 K
2C P 2C P
k
Static temperature 1117.05 981.95 K
k
Total pressure 396 374.31 kPa
P0 ⎛ T0 ⎞ k −1 P00 ⎛ C12s ⎞ k −1
=⎜
⎜ T ⎟⎟ = ⎜⎜1 +
7) ⎟ 15) Static pressure 388.70 234.00 kPa
P1 ⎝ 2C P T01 ⎟⎠ Absolute velocity 109.30 532.30 m/s
P00 ⎝ 00 ⎠
⎛ T00
2 ⎞ 2⎛ T01 ⎞ Rotor design: Aerothermodynamic formulation.
M0 = ⎜ − 1⎟ 8) M1 = ⎜ − 1⎟ 16) In order to study the turbine rotor, an imaginary duct,
k −1⎜
⎝ T0
⎟
⎠ k −1⎜
⎝ T1
⎟
⎠ which can be assumed to have small finite length in the flow
P0 P1 direction, is immediately placed upstream of the blade leading
ρ0 = 9) ρ1 = 17)
RT0 RT1 edge and downstream of the blade trailing edge.
The radial inflow rotor turbine consists of two parts: The
The nozzle consists of 17 vanes with a radial-flow inlet working wheel and the exducer wheel. The rotor consists of 15
from a low Mach number. The design inlet and the exit angle is full blades with radial-flow inlet and axial-flow outlet. The
54.59° and 77.97°, respectively. Both the trailing-edge and the rotor flowpath is presented in Figure 5 where the radial blades
leading-edge thickness are constant and the blockage factor is at the inducer inlet are visible. The trailing-edge, the leading-
0.98. Figure 4 shows the nozzle vane configuration. edge thickness and the rotor axial, tip and radial clearance are
constant whereas the blockage factor is 0.98.

5 Copyright © 2010 by ASME

 FIGURE 5. ROTOR BLADE CONFIGURATION.
FIGURE 6. TURBINE STAGE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM.
Table 8 [10] shows the rotor inlet and the outlet
aerothermodynamic model. Table 9 presents the rotor geometric and thermodynamic
output parameters at the design point calculate by OFC.
TABLE 8. ROTOR AEROTHERMODYNAMIC MODEL.
Rotor condition TABLE 9. ROTOR AEROTHERMODYNAMIC OUTPUTS.
Inlet Outlet Inlet (2) Outlet (3)
Description Values Values Units
⎛W ⎞
⎡ k −1 ⎤ WR ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟
⎟ Blade height 33.51 99.67 mm
W3 ⎝ a 00 ⎠
⎢ ⎛ 1 ⎞ k ⎥ = 27) Shroud (3s) 131.06
Sw = η ts 1 − ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ 18) a 03 Radius 227.94 mm
⎢ ⎥ T03
Hub (3h) 31.39
⎢⎣ ⎝ ts ⎠
RP
⎥⎦ T00 Axial length 125.15 -- mm
Thickness 1 1 mm
C ⎛ S ⎞⎛ 2cosβ ⎞ C 3 ⎛ W3 ⎞ Number of blades 15 --
2
= ⎜ w ⎟⎜ 2 ⎟ 19) =⎜ ⎟ cos β 3 28)
a ⎜ k − 1 ⎟⎜ 1 + cosβ ⎟ a 03 ⎜⎝ a 03 ⎟
⎠ Relative flow angle -25
Shroud (3s) -22.52
°
00 ⎝ ⎠⎝ 2 ⎠ Hub (3h) -60
C θ2 ⎛ C 2 ⎞ C θ3 ⎛ C 3 ⎞ Absolute flow angle 77.50 0 °
=⎜ ⎟sinα 2 20) =⎜ ⎟sinβ 3 29) Ratio of rotor exit
a 00 ⎜⎝ a 00 ⎟
⎠ a 03 ⎜⎝ a 03 ⎟
⎠ 0.57 -- --
shroud to inlet diam.
U 2 ⎛ S w ⎞⎛ a 00 ⎞ C m3 ⎛ C 3 ⎞ Ratio of rotor exit
=⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟⎟ 21) =⎜ ⎟cosβ 3 30)
a 00 ⎝ k − 1 ⎠⎜⎝ C θ2 ⎠ a 03 ⎜⎝ a 03 ⎟
⎠
hub to inlet diam. 0.13 -- --
Ratio of rotor exit
C m2 ⎛ C 2 ⎞ U3 ⎛C ⎞ hub to shroud diam. -- 0.23 --
=⎜ ⎟cosα 2 22) = −⎜⎜ 3 ⎟ tan β 3 31)
a 00 ⎜⎝ a 00 ⎟
⎠ a 03 ⎝ a 03
⎟
⎠
Tip clearance 1 1 mm
Total temperature 1123 812.66 K
⎛ C m2 ⎞ ⎡ 2⎤
Static temperature 975.45 793.09 K
⎜ ⎟ T03 ⎛ k − 1 ⎞⎛⎜ C 3 ⎞
W2 ⎜⎝ a 00 ⎟⎠ = 1 + ⎢⎜ ⎟ ⎟ ⎥ 32) Total pressure 373.19 108.90 kPa
= 23) T3 ⎢⎝ 2 ⎠⎜⎝ a 03 ⎟
⎠ ⎥
a 00 cosβ 2 ⎣ ⎦ Static pressure 227.94 100 kPa
k Absolute velocity 544.42 200.68 m/s
⎛ ⎞ k −1 Shroud (3s) 83.24
T02 ⎡⎛ (k − 1) ⎞ 2 ⎤ ⎜ ⎟ Blade speed 586.468 m/s
= 1 + ⎢⎜ ⎟M 2 ⎥ 24) P03 ⎜ 1 ⎟ Hub (3h) 347.58
=⎜ 33)
T2 ⎣⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎦ P3 T ⎟ Shroud (3s) 217.26
⎜ 3 ⎟ Relative velocity 130.01 m/s
⎜T ⎟ Hub (3h) 401.36
⎝ 03 ⎠
k 1
P02 ⎛ T02 ⎞ k −1 ρ 3 ⎛ T3 ⎞ k −1 NOZZLE AND ROTOR CFD MODELS: GRIDS.
=⎜ ⎟ 25) =⎜ ⎟ 34)
P2 ⎜⎝ T2 ⎟
⎠ ρ 03 ⎜⎝ T03 ⎟
⎠ Once the important geometric parameters of the turbine
1 stage have been defined, as a result of the preliminary design
ρ 02 ⎛ T2 ⎞ k −1 Wesp = U 2 C θ2 35) optimization, using a one-dimensional computer FORTRAN
=⎜ ⎟ 26)
ρ 2 ⎜⎝ T02 ⎟
⎠ code (OFC), such parameters are transferred to the blade
generator using ANSYS BladeGen so that the full three-
Figure 6 shows the 3-D design turbine stage configuration: dimensional geometry of the blades, for both nozzle and rotor,
Nozzle and radial inflow rotor. can be developed. The geometry, the axial, tip and radial
clearance of the nozzle vanes and rotor blades are internally

6 Copyright © 2010 by ASME

defined using the ANSYS TurboGrid 12.0., however, for the
purpose of visualization and manipulation by the designer, they
can be performed as a set of Bezier polynomials defining the
hub and shroud contours, the camber surface, and the blade
thickness. The numerical simulation models were produced
using the commercial package ANSYS CFX 12.0® codes [12].
In this case, the inlet and exit boundary conditions have been
projected from the turbine leading and trailing edge.
The computational domain of the whole stage was
dissected by the hexahedron structural multi-block grid
topology. The H-topology was used in the inlet, outlet and main
flow passage domains. In this case an H grid was used,
reaching good resolution at the leading and trailing edge. The
grids are refined at the near-wall, end wall, leading edge and
trailing edge of the rotor blade and nozzle guide vane. The
meshes used around the nozzle vanes and the rotor blades are
show in Figures 7 and 8, respectively.
TABLE 10. NOZZLE AND ROTOR MESH INFORMATION.
Domain Nodes Elements
Domain I Nozzle 81138 67952
Domain II Rotor 105556 89248
The CFD simulations were made with k-ω and SST
turbulence model. Overall, the SST model was ranked the
highest, enabling the most accurate predictions of complex
flows involving separation. The CFD results value obtained are
in compliance with the OFC results.
Boundary conditions.
The boundary conditions were as follows:
™ Average total pressure imposed at the inlet area. Also,
the total temperature and the turbulence intensity must
be introduced at the inlet.
™ Average static pressure imposed at the outlet.
™ Heat transfer model = Total energy.
™ Turbulence model = SST.
™ Turbulent wall functions = Automatic.
™ Rotor domain motion = Rotating.
™ Nozzle domain = Stationary.

COMPARISON OF NUMERICAL MODELS.

The NASA TN D-8164 report, by Glassman [13], contains
the FORTRAN computer program, developed for the design
analysis of radial inflow turbines. This report provides
sufficient information and comprehensive geometric design
data for the comparison case test. Table 11 presents the design
point input parameter used in the one-dimensional computer
FORTRAN code (OFC) for NASA TN D-8164.

TABLE 11. DESIGN POINT INPUT PARAMETERS

FOR NASA TN D-8164 [13] AND OFC.
FIGURE 7. COMPUTATIONAL NOZZLE VANE MESH Description Values Units
Mass flow rate 0.2771 kg/s
Inlet turbine total temperature 1083.329 K
Inlet turbine total pressure 91.0110 kPa
Total to static turbine pressure ratio 1.6125 --
Total to static rotor efficiency 89.1500 %
Total nozzle efficiency 81.7688 %
Inlet relative flow angle -31.5000 º
Outlet relative flow angle -70.6500 º
Rotor exit hub to shroud radius ratio 0.3493 --
Specific heat ratio 1.6670 J/kgK
Tip clearance 0.0059 mm
Relative velocity ratio 2.3698 --
Rotor blade thickness 0.2884 mm
Nozzle vane thickness 0.2884 mm

The results obtained using the one-dimensional computer

FIGURE 8. COMPUTATIONAL ROTOR BLADE MESH.
The CFD simulations were then carried out on the
improved designs using grids of the order of 81138 nodes per
nozzle passage (Table 10), using a mixing plane model to
connect the stationary and rotating domains. A single rotor
passage was modelled using grids of the order of 105556 nodes.
FORTRAN code (OFC) method, were compared with
theoretical results provided by Glassman [13]. Tables 12 and 13
show the geometrical and thermodynamic calculated turbine
characteristics as well as the variations obtained between the
NASA computer program for design analysis of radial inflow
turbines and the one-dimensional computer FORTRAN code
(OFC). The discrepancies observed for each computer program
are because Glassman [13] considered the nozzle and rotor loss
coefficient calculated by Reynolds number equal to 1.

7 Copyright © 2010 by ASME

 Table 12 describes the nozzle comparisons between the COMPARISON OF NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS.
NASA TN D-8164 and the OFC and shows discrepancies lower The calculated aerothermodynamic parameters for 600 kW
than 8% between the values calculated by each computer simple cycle gas turbine engine derived from each stage of the
program. turbine. The machine overall performance and the average
mixed out properties at the inlet and outlet boundary of the
TABLE 12. NOZZLE NUMERICAL MODEL. CFD were also calculated.
NASA TN Table 14 describes the comparison between the CFD
Description Units OFC D-8164 [13] Variation (%) simulation and the OFC for nozzle turbine and shows
Nozzle inlet discrepancies lower than 7% between the values calculated by
Diameter mm 199.24 195.55 1.89 each simulation.
Total temperature K 1083.32 1083.33 0.00
Total pressure kPa 91.01 91.01 0.00 TABLE 14. NOZZLE NUMERICAL SIMULATION.
Static temperature K 1076.34 1072.02 0.40 ANSYS
Static pressure kPa 89.55 88.65 1.02 Description Units CFX 12.0 OFC Variation (%)
Abs. flow angle ° 51.45 55.60 -7.46 Mass flow rate kg/s 4.55 4.50 1.16
Absolute velocity m/s 105.73 108.49 -2.54 Nozzle inlet
Number of vanes -- 17 16 6.25 Static pressure kPa 393.02 395.78 -0.69
Nozzle outlet Total pressure kPa 396.00 396.00 0.002
Diameter mm 161.04 158.75 1.44 Static temperature K 1119.48 1122.82 -0.29
Total temperature K 1083.32 1083.33 0.00 Total temperature K 1123.00 1123.00 0.00
Total pressure kPa 87.27 89.95 -2.97 Abs. flow angle ° -0.11 54.51 --
Static temperature K 1008.19 1013.94 -0.57 Nozzle Outlet
Static pressure kPa 72.92 76.23 -4.33 Static pressure kPa 212.35 233.83 -9.18
Abs. flow angle ° 74.38 72.00 3.32 Total pressure kPa 369.29 374.28 -1.33
Absolute velocity m/s 279.56 268.60 4.06 Static temperature K 959.85 981.77 -2.23
Total temperature K 1122.48 1123.00 -0.04
Table 13 describes the rotor comparisons between the Absolute velocity m/s 565.68 532.39 6.251
NASA TN D-8164 and the OFC and shows discrepancies lower Abs. flow angle ° 77.17 77.72 -0.71
than 10% between the values calculated by each computer
program. Table 15 describes the comparison between the CFD
simulation and the OFC for rotor turbine and shows
TABLE 13. ROTOR NUMERICAL MODEL. discrepancies lower than 13% between the values calculated by
NASA TN each simulation.
Description Units OFC D-8164 [13] Variation (%)
Rotor inlet TABLE 15. ROTOR NUMERICAL SIMULATION.
Diameter mm 158.83 155.39 2.21 ANSYS
Total temperature K 1083.33 1083.33 0.00 Description Units CFX 12.0 OFC Variation (%)
Total pressure kPa 87.16 89.95 -3.10 Shaft speed rpm 25148.64 25148.44 0.001
Static temperature K 1005.98 1010.85 -0.48 Mass flow rate kg/s 4.55 4.50 1.16
Static pressure kPa 72.43 75.65 -4.25 Rotor inlet
Abs. flow angle ° 74.25 71.92 3.24 Static pressure kPa 212.38 227.94 -6.82
Absolute velocity m/s 283.64 274.59 3.30 Total pressure kPa 361.83 373.19 -3.04
Blade speed m/s 320.18 313.24 2.22 Static temperature K 961.57 975.45 -1.42
Relative flow angle ° -31.50 -31.50 0.00 Total temperature K 1123.47 1123.00 0.04
Relative velocity m/s 90.30 99.93 -9.64 Abs. Mach number -- 0.93 0.87 7.09
Shaft power output kW 24.22 22.37 8.27 Blade speed m/s 589.91 586.48 0.58
Specific work kJ/kg 87.40 81.76 6.90 Absolute velocity m/s 569.11 544.43 4.53
Specific speed -- 0.76 0.73 3.10 Abs. flow angle ° 77.28 77.50 -0.27
Number of blades -- 13 12 8.33 Relative velocity m/s 132.07 130.02 1.58
Rotor outlet Rotor outlet
Shroud diameter mm 34.98 38.72 -9.64 Static pressure kPa 99.97 100.00 -0.02
Hub diameter mm 100.16 110.84 -9.63 Total pressure kPa 111.35 108.90 2.24
Total temperature K 915.27 926.12 -1.17 Static temperature K 788.76 793.09 -0.54
Total pressure kPa 57.18 57.35 -0.28 Total temperature K 813.34 812.66 0.08
Static temperature K 910.46 920.20 -1.06 Abs. Mach number -- 0.39 0.35 9.95
Static pressure kPa 56.44 56.44 0.00 Blade speed m/s 242.64 215.42 12.63
Absolute velocity m/s 218.53 200.68 8.89
Abs. flow angle ° 0 0 --
Absolute velocity m/s 70.90 78.48 9.65 Abs. flow angle ° 15.02 0.00 --
Blade speed m/s 201.91 223.44 9.64 Relative velocity m/s 281.87 294.41 -4.26
Relative flow angle ° -70.65 -70.65 0.00
Relative velocity m/s 213.99 236.82 9.64 Minor discrepancies were observed between the values
calculated by each simulation program, as the incidence angle

8 Copyright © 2010 by ASME

was not considered in the OFC meanline method and it was
assumed equal to the blade angle and its value zero [14].
CONCLUSIONS.
The numerical investigations on the aerothermodynamic
design of the radial inflow rotor and nozzle turbine for a 600
kW simple cycle gas turbine engine, using a one-dimensional
computer FORTRAN code (OFC) based mainly on non-
dimensional parameters, aimed at computational and work time
reduction are conducted in this paper. The main conclusions
are:
™ The OFC used in the design of radial turbine
components is an effective route to preliminary design
and optimization. The meanline model was tested and
proved capable of providing the designer with reliable
performance estimates.
™ The one-dimensional computer FORTRAN code
(OFC) for radial turbines has been developed, being
capable of predicting the efficiency of most “well
designed” radial turbines with good accuracy. No
knowledge of the turbine geometry beyond basic
overall dimensions is required, therefore, the method
regarded suitable for preliminary design.
™ The turbomachine main parameter incidence angle was
not considered in this version of the one-dimensional
computer FORTRAN code (OFC) method as it was
assumed equal to the blade angle and its value zero
[14]. A future version of this program will calculate,
simulate and compare the incidence angle at the design
point and off-design point.
™ The only major code deficiency observed was the lack
of a transition model, which led to an over-estimation
of the flow separation and the thickness of the trailing
edge downstream wake. This was evident in the
analytical comparisons, where the most acute
differences were found when comparing the one-
dimensional computer FORTRAN code (OFC) method
results and the NASA TN D-8164 by Glassman [13]
showing discrepancies lower than 10% between the
values calculated by each computer program and when
comparing the one-dimensional computer FORTRAN
code (OFC) method and the ANSYS CFX 12.0
simulations results, with discrepancies lower than 13%
between the values calculated for each simulations
program.
™ The main contribution of this work is that it provides a
one-dimensional computer FORTRAN code (OFC)
method that helps designers to quantify the
performance of the nozzle and the radial inflow rotor
turbine at a preliminary design stage. Quickly
computed, the designer can experiment with a large
number of geometric options prior to any details of the
blade and vane geometry have been fixed and explore
their effects on performance in a short period of time.
The model is validated with a combination of CFD
simulation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
The authors wish to thank the Petrobras Research and
Development Center (CENPES), the Coordination of
Improvement of Higher Education (CAPES), the National
Council of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq),
and the Foundation for Research Support of Minas Gerais
(FAPEMIG) for their collaboration and support in the
development of this work.
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9 Copyright © 2010 by ASME
[12] Ansys, Inc. ANSYS CFX 12.0. 2009.

[13] Glassman, A.J., (1976), “Computer program for design

analysis of radial-inflow turbines”, NASA TN D-8164,
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10 Copyright © 2010 by ASME

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