Fluid Machinery Course

Lesson 1 • Pipe Flow and Head Loss

Quantifies friction and minor losses in pipe networks using Darcy-Weisbach and empirical correlations. Results feed directly into pump and turbine system design.

Lesson 2 • Fluid Statics and Pressure Concepts

Examines hydrostatic pressure distribution, buoyancy, and manometry. Provides the static pressure baseline needed for dynamic flow analysis.

Lesson 3 • Fluid Properties and Classification

Covers density, viscosity, compressibility, and surface tension as they define fluid behaviour. Establishes the property framework used throughout all machinery analysis.

Lesson 4 • Governing Equations of Fluid Flow

Derives continuity, momentum, and energy equations from conservation laws. These equations form the analytical backbone of all fluid machinery performance calculations.

Lesson 1 • Thermodynamic State and Properties

Reviews equations of state, enthalpy, entropy, and specific heats for working fluids. Accurate property evaluation is prerequisite to machinery energy analysis.

Lesson 2 • Efficiency Definitions in Turbomachinery

Defines isentropic, polytropic, and mechanical efficiencies for pumps, compressors, and turbines. Consistent efficiency metrics enable fair performance comparison across machine types.

Lesson 3 • First and Second Law Applications

Applies energy and entropy balances to open systems such as nozzles, diffusers, and rotors. Connects thermodynamic irreversibility to machinery efficiency losses.

Lesson 1 • Euler Turbomachine Equation

Derives the Euler equation from angular momentum and interprets each term physically. This equation governs head and power prediction for all rotodynamic machines.

Lesson 2 • Classification of Fluid Machines

Organises machines by energy transfer direction, flow path, and working fluid. A clear taxonomy guides selection and analysis throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Losses and Slip in Rotodynamic Machines

Identifies hydraulic, disk friction, and recirculation losses that reduce ideal performance. Quantifying losses bridges Euler theory to real machine behaviour.

Lesson 4 • Specific Speed and Machine Selection

Defines dimensionless specific speed and uses it to select optimal machine geometry. Specific speed charts link operating conditions to impeller or runner shape.

Lesson 1 • Centrifugal Pump Components and Flow Path

Describes impeller, volute, diffuser, and shaft seal functions within the pump assembly. Component understanding is prerequisite to hydraulic analysis.

Lesson 2 • System Curves and Operating Point

Constructs system resistance curves and locates the pump operating point at their intersection. Mismatched operating points cause energy waste and mechanical damage.

Lesson 3 • Cavitation in Centrifugal Pumps

Explains cavitation inception, NPSH required vs. available, and damage mechanisms. Preventing cavitation is critical to pump reliability and service life.

Lesson 4 • Pump Characteristic Curves

Develops H-Q, power-Q, and efficiency-Q curves from test data and theory. Characteristic curves are the primary tool for pump selection and system matching.

Lesson 1 • Axial Flow Machine Principles

Contrasts axial-flow hydraulics with centrifugal machines and introduces actuator disk theory. Establishes the theoretical basis for axial pump and fan analysis.

Lesson 2 • Performance Curves and Stall

Characterises axial machine H-Q curves, stall onset, and rotating stall phenomena. Recognising stall boundaries prevents catastrophic blade loading and vibration.

Lesson 3 • Blade Element and Cascade Theory

Applies airfoil lift and drag to rotor blade elements and cascade arrangements. Blade element theory links aerofoil data to pump and fan performance prediction.

Lesson 1 • Kaplan and Propeller Turbines

Applies axial-flow blade theory to Kaplan runners with adjustable blades for low-head sites. Double regulation maintains high efficiency across a wide flow range.

Lesson 2 • Hydraulic Turbine Classification and Sites

Maps turbine types to head-flow regimes and introduces site resource assessment. Correct turbine selection maximises energy extraction at a given site.

Lesson 3 • Francis Turbine Hydraulics

Analyses spiral casing, stay vanes, guide vanes, and runner flow for Francis turbines. Francis machines cover the widest head-flow range of any turbine type.

Lesson 4 • Pelton Turbine Analysis

Derives bucket velocity triangles, jet power, and efficiency for Pelton wheels. Pelton turbines dominate high-head, low-flow sites and require precise jet control.

Lesson 1 • Surge, Stall, and Operating Range

Defines surge line, stall cells, and stable operating range on compressor maps. Surge avoidance systems protect compressors from destructive pressure oscillations.

Lesson 2 • Compressor Types and Thermodynamic Cycles

Classifies compressors by mechanism and maps them to thermodynamic compression processes. Cycle analysis establishes work input and temperature rise for each type.

Lesson 3 • Centrifugal Compressor Stage Design

Applies Euler equation and velocity triangles to centrifugal compressor impellers and diffusers. Impeller tip speed and blade angle govern pressure ratio and efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Positive Displacement Compressors

Covers reciprocating, screw, and scroll compressors including volumetric efficiency and valve dynamics. These machines dominate low-flow, high-pressure industrial applications.

Lesson 1 • Axial Turbine Stage Aerodynamics

Applies velocity triangles and blade loading to nozzle and rotor stages in gas and steam turbines. Stage reaction and loading coefficients determine blade geometry.

Lesson 2 • Gas Turbine Cycle Analysis

Analyses Brayton cycle with real component efficiencies, pressure losses, and regeneration. Cycle analysis quantifies thermal efficiency and specific work output.

Lesson 3 • Combined Cycle and Cogeneration

Integrates gas and steam turbine cycles to maximise fuel utilisation in combined cycle plants. Heat recovery steam generators link the two cycles thermodynamically.

Lesson 4 • Steam Turbine Types and Staging

Distinguishes impulse and reaction steam turbine stages and multi-stage arrangements. Reheat and extraction cycles improve efficiency and enable cogeneration.