Radial Inflow Turbine Study

The radial inflow turbine is a major component used in both small gas turbines and turbochargers. Its performance is important to the success of these systems yet the detailed aerodynamics are still largely ill-defined especially in small high speed units where small passages and high velocities are involved. Cranfield, the US Army and Turbomach San Diego have instigated a program of work in which the flow processes within a small high speed radial inflow turbine are to be investigated using laser anemometry. The objective of these studies is to provide a better basic understanding of the flow processes involved which will in turn provide a good basis for the design of improved components. This note forms the second nominally six month report on the project. It describes delays incurred in the work amounting to six months which have arisen due to technical problems on a complimentary project and have absorbed Cranfield manpower. These problems have now been overcome and the technology developed is both available and relevant to this programme. Good progress is predicted for the following year. No change in funding has been requested due to the delay but it is proposed that the completion date be delayed by six months.