251

Non-dimensional aerodynamic design of a centrifugal

compressor impeller
A Whitfield, BSc, PhD, CEng, MIMechE
School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath
A fully non-dimensional preliminary design procedure for a centrfugal compressor is presented. The procedure can be applied for any
desired pressure ratio to develop an initial non-dimensional skeleton design. The procedure is applied to compressor design for pressure
ratios of 2, 6.5 and 8, and illustrates how the initial design can be developed without recourse to empirical loss model s and the
associated uncertainties.
a
A
b
C
p i p
f
h
m
M
M'
M"
ns
N
P
PR
Q
r
R
Re
T
TR
U
W
a
B
A h O S
Y
:
1
P
P
Y
V
6
0
NOTATION
speed of sound
area
blade or passage height
absolute velocity
slip velocity
diameter
function of
enthalpy
mass flowrate
Mach number
relative Mach number
non-dimensional tip speed of the impeller =
specific speed
rotational speed (r/min)
pressure
pressure ratio =P,,/P,,
volume flowrate
radius
gas constant
Reynolds number =rit/(,ud2)
temperature
temperature ratio =TO2/To1
blade velocity
relative velocity
absolute flow angle, positive in direction of
impeller rotation
relative flow angle, positive in direction of
impeller rotation
isentropic stagnation enthalpy change
ratio of specific heat
stage efficiency
non-dimensional mass flowrate =m/(polaoinr~)
work input factor
slip factor
impeller inducer hub-shroud radius ratio
density
flow coefficient =m/bOl U, mi)
head or enthalpy coefficient
rotational speed (rad/s)
UzIa01
The MS was received on 23 October 19W and was accepted for publication on 12
June 1991.
Subscripts
B blade
s shroud tip position
8 tangential component
0 stagnation condition
1
2
station position at stage inlet
station position at impeller outer diameter
1 INTRODUCTION
The initial preliminary design of a centrifugal compres-
sor impeller provides the framework upon which the
detailed passage shape must be built. This preliminary
design provides the leading dimensions of the impeller
together with the inlet and discharge blade angles.
While it is always possible to modify the initial frame-
work as the design develops it is important to minimize
the iterative loops involved. To this end a number of
papers have been published with a view to optimizing
the initial design using detailed numerical optimization
techniques [see Bhinder et al. (1) and Wang Qinghuan
and Sun Zhiqin (2)]. These techniques search for the
optimum dimensions using numerical techniques and
empirical loss models to calculate the efficiency. Non-
dimensional techniques are not usually adopted; instead
the operating requirements, with the exception of the
desired pressure ratio, are specified in absolute units
and the impeller dimensions derived [see Osborne et al.
(3) and Came et al. (4)]. Balje (5, 6) provides an excep-
tion to this general approach and presents a non-
dimensional design procedure based on the parameters
of specific speed and specific diameter. This, however,
seems to receive a mixed reception as the non-
dimensional groups are composite parameters built up
from the basic groups used to describe compressor per-
formance, and they do not lend themselves to im-
mediate comprehension-even the names are unhelpful
descriptions. While basic non-dimensional groups are
used to describe and assess the performance of the com-
pressor, either different groupings are constructed for
design purposes or the non-dimensional approach is
abandoned. Here the non-dimensional groups widely
adopted to describe compressor performance are also
used to develop the initial conceptual design.
A05690 Q IMcchE 1991 0957-6Sl9/91 $200 +.05 Roc Imtn Mcch Engrs Vol205
258 A WHITFIELD
The initial design procedure cannot take full account
of the complex three-dimensional separated flow that
occurs in the impeller. It is, however, important to have
these complex flow phenomena in mind and carry out
the initial design with a view to minimizing the poten-
tial for flow separation. The later stages of the design
process will then consider the detailed flow phenomena
more fully.
2 NON-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
The classical application of dimensional analysis to the
basic parameters that influence the behaviour of a turbo-
machine reduces the number of parameters involved
from ten to six and leads to a functional relationship
between the nondimensional groups as [see Whitfield
and Baines (711
f(PR, TR, e, Mu, Re, Y) =o (1)
These basic non-dimensional groups are simple ratios of
a parameter to a reference parameter, usually based on
the inlet stagnation conditions; the Reynolds number is
a simple ratio of forces. These basic groups are often
combined to yield alternative parameters, for example
the temperature ratio is usually combined with the
pressure ratio and replaced by the more useful total-to-
total isentropic efficiency through the relationship
Similarly the pressure ratio is sometimes replaced by a
head, or enthalpy, Coefficient defined as
(3)
It can be shown that this head coefficient is a com-
bination of the pressure ratio and non-dimensional
impeller speed through the relationship
? 1
(4)
In addition, the non-dimensional groups are often sim-
plified for convenience by presenting them in a dimen-
sional form. This practice will not be followed here;
non-dimensional groups will be strictly adhered to.
If the application is restricted to a single working
fluid the ratio of specific heats ceases to be a variable
and can be disregarded as a separate non-dimensional
group. The flow Reynolds number may beconsidered a
secondary variable provided it is high enough such that
changes in magnitude have little effect on performance.
The influence of the Reynolds number on compressor
performance has received considerable attention (8-1 1)
and should not be generally neglected; however, for an
initial design study it can be considered to be a second-
ary influence and equation (1) reduced to
( 5)
These parameters are widely adopted for the presen-
tation of compressor performance, with pressure ratio
and efficiency presented as functions of non-dimen-
sional mass flowrate and impeller speed.
f (PR, qs, e, Mu) =
Part A: Journal of Power and Energy
This classical non-dimensional analysis employs the
impeller outer diameter as a characteristic dimension
and can be applied to a range of geometrically similar
machines. When, however, design is considered the
design options will not begeometrically similar and the
major dimensions of the impeller must be considered in
addition to the overall size. The inclusion of these
dimensions transforms equation (5) to
Increased efficiency, through improved design, leads to
a reduction in impeller speed, Mu, for any desired press-
ure ratio, or, if stress levels will permit, the ability to
adopt increased blade backsweep. For design purposes
the pressure ratio need not be treated as a variable as a
single specific magnitude is required. For any design
pressure ratio equation (6) can be rearranged to give
(7)
The application of dimensional analysis reduces the
number of variables to be considered, but the further
simplifying step of geometric similarity is not available.
The designer must find the combination of non-
dimensional parameters which will either maximize the
efficiency or provide a satisfactory compromise with
any other restraints, such as impeller size and speed
limitations.
When compressor design is considered some
designers make extensive use of the alternative par-
ameters of specific speed and specific diameter (5, 6, 12,
13) whilst others are either critical of this approach (14)
or adopt a direct dimensional design procedure (3, 15,
16).
Specific speed has been adopted from the application
to incompressible flow machines and is usually defined
as
n, =
Specific speed, like efficiency and head coefficient, is a
composite parameter, being constructed through a com-
bination of the basic non-dimensional parameters of
equation ( 5) and as such is not a simple ratio of a
parameter to a reference condition. It can beshown that
specific speed is given by
(9)
where BjM, =#J =m/bOl U2 nrl ) is a commonly
applied flow coefficient used as an alternative to 8. It
should also be noted that the volume flowrate Q is
defined at the inlet stagnation conditions, that is Q =
m/pol . A machine with a high specific speed will have a
large flowrate and a low head coefficient or enthalpy
rise-usually an axial flow machine. A machine with a
low specific speed will have a low flowrate and a large
head coefficient, and a radial machine is usually
Q IMechE 1991
NON-DIMENSIONAL AERODYNAMIC DESIGN OF A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR IMPELLER 259
required. For design purposes the pressure ratio is fixed
and the non-dimensional speed, Mu, is often limited
and thereby fixed through stress considerations. Specifi-
cation of the specific speed is then tantamount to
specifying the non-dimensional flowrate, and as this
gives the mass flowrate per unit frontal area directly it is
to be preferred to the indirect use of specific speed.
3 BASIC DESIGN APPROACH
Generally a centrifugal compressor is required to
produce a specified pressure ratio at maximum effi-
ciency. The desire to achieve maximum efficiency may
be compromised in order to meet other design restraints
such as minimizing overall size and weight and maxi-
mizing the flowrate between surge and choke. From
equation (5) there will exist a non-dimensional flowrate
0 and non-dimensional speed Mu at which maximum
efficiency will be achieved. The designer must establish
these parameters and then develop the overall geometry
of the impeller. From the resultant non-dimensional
design a range of geometrically similar designs can be
constructed to handle a range of flowrates which, in
theory, should all yield the same performance, provided
that Reynolds number effects are not significant.
The design procedure will be developed from the
desired pressure ratio, with specified target efficiencies
for the impeller and complete stage. The impeller efi-
ciency is required to effectively transform the desired
stage pressure ratio to that required from the impeller
only; however, the desire to maximize the efficiency will
be maintained. In addition to establishing the optimum
non-dimensional mass flowrate and impeller speed the
non-dimensional geometry of the impeller will be devel-
oped in terms of the radius ratio, rl s/ rz, the discharge
blade height, b2/ rz, and the inlet and discharge blade
angles.
In order to maximize the efficiency it is necessary to
minimize the losses. Whilst the losses are not explicitly
calculated through the application of loss models it is
essential to assess the consequences of any design
choices on the loss-generating processes. For the
impeller the losses commonly considered and the steps
required to minimize them are as follows:
Incidence loss. This is a function of the magnitude
and direction of the relative Mach number at the
impeller inlet. It is necessary to minimize the relative
Mach number and also to select the blade leading
edge angle to accept the flow with minimum inci-
dence effects.
Friction loss. Here it is necessary to ensure that the
gas velocity relative to the metal surface is no larger
than necessary; that is minimize the relative Mach
numbers. It is also necessary to consider the flow
path length and the magnitude of the effective
hydraulic diameter of the passage.
Diflusion or blade loading loss. Ensure that the
overall diffusion across the impeller is not excessive ;
that is assess the magnitude of the relative velocity
ratio [see Rodgers (171.
4. Clearance loss This 6 a function of the essential
clearance gap between the tips of the rotating blades
and the stationary shroud. A minimum clearance will
be necessary, and the proportion of the flow passage
@ IMechE 1991
occupied by the clearance gap will increase as the
actual blade height is reduced. It is necessary, there-
fore, to assess the magnitude of the non-dimensional
blade height, bJr2.
5. Diffuser system loss. The diffuser is not considered
explicitly but it is essential to bear in mind the fact
that the high Mach number discharged from the
impeller must be diffused and consequently it is
important to ensure that the discharge Mach number
is no higher than necessary. Also if the flow angle
from the radial direction is large the flow path
through a vaneless diffuser will be long, and in addi-
tion to high friction losses stall and flow reversals
back into the impeller may occur, followed by violent
surge.
The essential objective of the design procedure is to
establish the optimum velocity triangles at the inlet to
and discharge from the impeller. This is carried out by
specifying and systematically varying the absolute and
relative flow angles. The case of swirl-free flow at the
inlet is considered here and the absolute flow angle at
the impeller inlet is then zero. For the absolute flow
angle at impeller discharge J ohnston and Dean (18)
showed that an optimum flow angle, for design pur-
poses, lies between 63" and 68". Similarly, Rodgers and
Sapiro (19) considered the optimum flow angle to lie
between 60" and 70". Osborne et al. (3) used a magni-
tude of 70" in the design of an 8 : 1 pressure ratio com-
pressor, whilst for a 6.5 : 1 pressure ratio compressor
Came (16) indirectly used a magnitude of 75". For the
illustrative examples used here an absolute flow angle of
65" will generally be adopted, with an assessment made
of the application of alternative magnitudes. The rela-
tive flow angles at the inlet and discharge are systemati-
cally varied and assessed. Once desirable magnitudes
have been identified the inlet and discharge blade angles
must be derived through a knowledge of the optimum
incidence angle and flow deviation respectively.
Through the desired stage pressure ratio and target effi-
ciency the non-dimensional speed of the impeller,
U2/ aol , can be found and the velocity -triangles estab-
lished. The impeller radius ratio, rl Jr2, then follows
from the derived blade speeds at impeller inlet and dis-
charge. The impeller target efficiency must then be
introduced to calculate the impeller discharge blade
height, b2/ rz.
3.1 Impeller discbarge conditions
As indicated above, the impeller discharge velocity tri-
angle can be established through the specification of the
relative flow angle. However, the main parameter to be
established at the impeller discharge is the magnitude of
the blade backsweep to employ. It is well established
that backward swept blades are beneficial both from the
point of view of maximizing efficiency and extending the
stable operating range (4). Blade backward sweep is
limited by the stressing imposed by the use of non-
radial blade fibres, and it may not be possible to have
that which is most aerodynamically desirable. As the
blade angle is quoted in many published design ex-
amples (3, 16) and is limited by stressing, it is specified
rather than the relative flow angle, and the effect of pro-
gressively increasing it assessed. The magnitude of the
Proc lnstn Mech Engrs Vol205
260 A WHITFIELD
relative flow angle is, however, a function of the devi-
ation of the flow from the blade direction. The magni-
tude of the flow deviation is usually derived through the
specScation of the slip factor defined as, see Fig. 1,
It can then be shown that the relative flow angle is
related to the blade angle through [see Whitfield and
-es (711
tan Bs2
1 - P tan 012 tan B2 =- - -
P P
This expression is shown graphically in Fig. 2 for a
range of slip factors and two assumed absolute flow
angles. Figure 2 provides a means of relating the speci -
fied blade angle to the actual relative flow angle and
assessing the effect of alternative assumptions. It is
interesting to observe that the natural phenomenon of
slip is beneficial insomuch as it increases the effective
backsweep for any specified blade angle. Consequently,
the number of blades at the impeller discharge should
not be chosen in order to minimize the slip, but to
ensure a satisfactory blade loading and to minimize the
effect of flow separation.
Through the specification of the discharge blade
angle and slip factor together with the absolute flow
angle and a target efficiency it can be shown that the
stage pressure ratio is given by
(12)
( PJ- ' ) ' l = 1 +(7 - l)qsm:
A=---= ce2 P
where
U2
1 - tan &/tan a2
For any desired pressure ratio the non-dimensional
speed of the impeller can be derived through equation
(12). The speed, however, is often limited by stress con-
G i p
H
Backward swept blade
Fig. 1 Impeller discharge velocity triangles
- a2 =65
- - - a z = l 5
0
/ ;0.8
0
1 0 /
0
I / ' /' 0.88
0.92
O.%
1 .o
0
0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50
Blade angle Pe2
Fig. 2 Relative flow angle as a function of blade angle and
slip
siderations and it may be necessary to reduce the mag-
nitude of blade backsweep if the desired pressure ratio
is to be achieved.
3.2 Impeller inlet conditions
The inlet velocity triangle, at the inducer tip, can be
established through the specification of the relative flow
angle and one other parameter. The inducer design
should be such that it passes the desired mass flowrate
at the minimum possible inlet relative Mach number.
Stanitz (20) described a procedure to maximize the flow-
rate per unit frontal area for any desired inlet relative
Mach number. He showed that the relative flow angle is
then a function of the relative Mach number
3 +y M2
2M;',
cos2 PIS =
This expression provides a relative flow angle ranging
from -56" to -62.5" at relative Mach numbers of 0.5
and 1.2 respectively [see Whitfield and Baines (7)]. It is,
of course, possible to specify relative flow angles that do
not satis@ the above expression; however, it is necess-
ary to assess the consequences of doing this.
To complete the velocity triangle one other par-
ameter must be specified. For the procedure used here
the impeller radius ratio, ri Jr2, was specified and sys-
tematically varied. This leads to the magnitude of the
non-dimensional inlet blade velocity to complete the
velocity triangle. As alternatives, the inlet relative Mach
number, absolute Mach number or non-dimensional
flowrate, 6, could be specified.
Q IMcchE 1991 Part A: Journal of Power and Energy
NON-DIMENSIONAL AERODYNAMIC DESIGN OF A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR IMPELLER
1.0 J
5 0.9-
8
5
,M
a
2
5 0.8 -
m
m c
0.7 -
261
4 DESIGN ASSESSMENT
The design procedure was applied to pressure ratios of
2,6.5 and 8. The pressure ratio of 2 is a moderate press-
ure ratio perhaps typical of turbocharger compressors
(although current requirements are for higher pressure
ratios). The other pressure ratios are more typical of
those required for small gas gas turbines and were selec-
ted for comparison purposes as detailed design data are
available in the published literature.
4.1 Design pressure ratio of 20
The non-dimensional speed of the impeller for a range
of blade backsweep angles together with the discharge
Mach number is shown in Fig. 3a. The clear advantage
of backward swept blades is illustrated through the
reduction in the Mach number of the fluid at discharge.
This, however, is accompanied by an increase in the
non-dimensional speed of the impeller, which in addi-
tion to increasing the stress levels will also increase the
blade speed at the impeller inlet. The non-dimensional
speed of the impeller can be selected for any desired
magnitude of blade backsweep subject to the uncer-
tainties associated with the specification of the slip
factor and stage eficiency.
The inlet flow conditions are shown in Fig. 3b for a
range of assumed impeller radius ratios and an inlet
relative flow angle of - 60". Increasing blade backsweep
and the accompanying increase in non-dimensional
impeller speed leads to an increase in the inlet relative
Mach number for any specified radius ratio. Whitfield
and Baines (7) showed that the inlet absolute and rela-
tive Mach numbers are related to the mass flowrate per
unit frontal area through
MfO 1
1 - v z M,,
M ; : = M ; ~ + - -
(3y- l)/Z(r - 1)
x ( l +- y ; M:.) (14)
This is illustrated in Figs 4 and 5 where contours of
non-dimensional mass flowrate and inlet relative flow
angle are presented as a function of the inducer Mach
numbers for discharge blade angles of 0" and -40".
These results are presented for an inducer hub-tip
radius ratio of 0.4. Aerodynamically the optimum
hub-tip radius ratio is the smallest possible as this pre-
sents minimum blockage to the flow. In practice the
minimum hub size needed is usually fixed through con-
siderations of either the minimum cross-sectional area
to transmit the required torque and avoid critical vibra-
tion problems or the space required to accommodate
the required number of blades around the hub periph-
ery. Clearly any desired mass flow per unit frontal area,
8, can be passed at a minimum inlet relative Mach
number and as a consequence the inlet relative flow
angle follows [see also equation (1311.
Also included on Figs 4 and 5 are contours of
impeller radius ratio. These were derived from the defi-
nition of the non-dimensional mass flowrate as
(15)
m
=r:. (1 - $) EL - CIS
8 =
~4POl aOl 4 Po1 a01
Q IMechE 1991
a2 =65
, u=0.85
qs =0.8
PR =2.0
Y -20
I /\
I
I I I 1
0.9 I .o 1.1 I .2
Non-dimensional impeller speed Mu
(a) Discharge Mach number
I PI, =-60
0.7
0.65
0.6
I Jr 2
T
I
I I I 1
0.9 1 .o 1.1 I .2
Non-dimensional impeller speed Mu
(b) Inlet relative Mach number
Fig. 3 Impeller Mach numbers for P, =2.0
The data provided in Figs 3, 4 and 5 can be used to
provide the initial impeller skeleton design. The con-
tours of non-dimensional mass flowrate shown in Figs 4
and 5 are also contours of specific speed and non-
dimensional blade height, bJr z - The corresponding
magnitudes are also tabulated in the figures.
I n addition, the relative Mach number ratio across
the impeller can be represented by horizontal contours
on Figs4 and 5. These are shown as the secondary
ordinate. Contours of relative velocity ratio, W,$W,,
could also be included on Figs 4 and 5, but for simpli-
city have been excluded.
Selection of the non-dimensional mass flowrate
together with the minimum relative Mach number con-
dition leads to the basic impeller dimensions rl$rz and
prof Instn Mcch Engrs VolM5
262
1.0
0.9 -
0.8 -
0.7 -
0.6 -
A WHITFIELD
%
.s E
- RI 0.2 1.12
2
- 2.4
- 2.2
- 2.0 0.c
- 1.8
- 1.6
I I I I I I I
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
P, =2.0 p =0.85
U2/a,, =0.897
Be2 =0
r~, =0.9
v =0.4
q s =0.8 (12 =65
1.0 -
0.9 -
0.8 -
0.7 -
0.6 -
gs
g .s
-,e
B
.-
-
- 2.2
- 2.0
- 1.8
- 1.6
bzlrz
0.22
0.167
0.111
bJr2 for any selected discharge blade angle. The adop-
tion of blade backsweep, increased from 0" to -40" for
the examples shown, leads to a reduction in the dis-
charge Mach number, a reduction of the relative Mach
number ratio across the impeller and an increase in the
inlet relative Mach number. Whether there is a point
where further increases in the degree of backsweep will
lead to a reduction in performance due to the detrimen-
tal effects of the increasing inlet relative Mach number
offsetting the other benefits cannot be easily assessed.
However, the degree of backsweep is probably limited
in most cases by stressing considerations.
P, =2.0
a2 =65
PB2 =dm
p =0.85
qS =0.8
Y =0.4
tYz/aoI =1.058 r ~1 =0.9
-70 -65 -60 -55
P I S 1
e
0.2
0.15
0. I
0.75
r d r 2
I
I I I I I I I
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Inlet Mach number
Fig. 5 Impeller radius ratio as a function of inducer conditions
Part A: Journal of Power and Energy
" s b2lr2
1.32 0.24
1.14 0.18
0.93 0.12
Q IMcchE 1991
NON-DIMENSIONAL AERODYNAMIC DESIGN OF A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR IMPELLER
263
For any degree of backsweep, increasing the non-
dimensional mass flowrate leads to an increase in the
inlet relative Mach number, the magnitude of diffusion
attempted across the impeller, represented by Ml J M2
or W1,/W2. This leads to an increase in the impeller
radius ratio rls/r2 and non-dimensional blade height
For a non-dimensional flowrate of 0.2 an impeller
radius ratio of approximately 0.8 is necessary for a radi-
ally bladed impeller (Fig. 4), and for an impeller with a
discharge blade angle of -40" the radius ratio at the
minimum relative Mach number is approximately 0.75
(Fig. 5). Radius ratios in excess of 0.75 are probably
impractical as the sharp turn from the axial inlet to the
radial discharge will lead to increased losses. Clearly
non-dimensional flowrates of the order of 0.2 cannot be
achieved efficiently with a radial machine due to the
required high impeller radius ratio and inlet relative
Mach numbers. For high non-dimensional flowrates an
axial flow machine is clearly required and it is not
necessary to resort to specific speed to make this judge-
ment. Low non-dimensional flowrates, for example
below the 0.1 value shown, will lead to impellers with a
small radius ratio and small non-dimensional blade
height. This could give increased clearance losses and
increased friction losses due to the long narrow flow
channel, despite the reduced relative Mach numbers.
Derivation of the optimum non-dimensional flowrate
requires a detailed assessment of the losses, such as that
carried out by Galvas (21), and it is doubtful whether
empirical loss correlations will be sufficiently accurate
to discriminate between the narrow options presented
through Figs 4 and 5. The non-dimensional mass flow-
rate for turbocharger compressors lies typically between
0.1 and 0.1 5, and this corresponds to the accepted range
for specific speed. With increasing blade discharge back-
sweep it is necessary to reduce the non-dimensional
flowrate in order to avoid increased relative Mach
numbers at the inlet.
The above results have all been obtained with an
assumed discharge flow angle of 65" . The effect of
modifying this assumption on the discharge Mach
number is illustrated in Fig. 6 for a range of discharge
blade angles. As the blade backsweep is increased the
minimum Mach number moves to reduced flow angles.
At a blade angle of -30" the minimum Mach number
occurs at approximately 75" . This large flow angle is
probably unacceptable as it will lead to a long flow
path through the vaneless diffuser. As the degree of
backsweep is increased, however, the absolute flow
angle decreases. This indicates that if increased blade
backsweep becomes possible (through the use of
improved materials, for example) it may be beneficial to
design at discharge flow angles below 60". This will
reduce the Mach number and shorten the flow path
through the diffuser. Such possibilities could be readily
assessed further.
bzl r ,.
4.2 Design for high-pressure ratio
The high-pressure ratio compressor designs presented in
some detail by Osborne et al. (3) and Came et al. (4)
have been used to assess the non-dimensional design
procedure presented here. In both cases the impeller
Q IMcchE 1991
P, =2.0 =0.85 qr =0.8
Minimum Mach number
i.
2
$
L:
- 70
I
50 60 70 80
Absolute flow angle
Fig. 6 Discharge Mach number as a function of flow angles
discharge blade angle was selected through mechanical
considerations and in both cases a magnitude of -30"
was selected. Through the specification of a head coeffi-
cient, Y, of 1.6, Came et al. (4) indirectly specified an
impeller discharge flow angle, u 2, of 75.3", while
Osborne et al. (3) specified a magnitude of 70". For each
design, the stage and impeller efficiency and slip factor
are taken as given by the respective authors.
4.2.1 Design pressure ratio of 6.5
The impeller Mach numbers for a range of discharge
blade angles and impeller radius ratios are shown in
Fig. 7. In addition the effect of modifying the selected
absolute flow angle at discharge from 75.3" to 70" and
65" is also shown. It can be seen that reducing the
absolute flow angle leads to a significant increase in the
discharge Mach number for a radial bladed impeller,
but this effect becomes less significant as the blade
backsweep is increased. As shown in Fig. 6 at high
degrees of blade backsweep, a flow angle exists at which
the Mach number is a minimum.
Selection of the appropriate impeller radius ratio can
be made through consideration of the non-dimensional
mass flowrate together with the consequent magnitudes
for the discharge non-dimensional blade height, the
relative Mach number ratio and the relative velocity
ratio. Contours of non-dimensional mass flowrate are
shown in Fig. 8 where the magnitude of 0.0732 corre-
sponds to that used by Came et al. (4). Also included in
this figure is a contour for a discharge flow angle of 70".
Selection of the minimum relative Mach number condi-
tion leads to the inlet relative flow angle and it is then
necessary to select the appropriate non-dimensional
flowrate. Also included on the non-dimensional flow
contours are the associated magnitudes of non-
dimensional blade height and specific speed. Clearly
selection of low non-dimensional flowrates will lead to a
long narrow flow channel through low magnitudes for
the impeller radius ratio and blade height. High magni-
tudes, 0.1 and above in Fig. 8, will lead to high inlet
Proc Instn Mcch Engrs Vol 205
264 A WHITFIELD
P, =6. 5 a2 =75.32 qI =0.87 PI S =-60.81
p =0.92 q s =0.78 Y =0.45
1
PB2
, -10
\ x -20
0.9 I I I I
1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7
Non-dimensional impeller speed Mu
(a) Discharge Mach number
0.8 1
I
I I I
1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7
Non-dimensional impeller speed Mu
(b) Inlet relative Mach number
Fig. 7 Impeller Mach numbers for P, =6.5
relative Mach numbers, in excess of unity, but no clear
additional disadvantages. The modification of the dis-
charge flow angle to 70" has a small effect on the design
choices available. The non-dimensional blade height
and specified speed are only slightly modified to 0.034
and 0.54 respectively.
The impeller relative velocity ratio is shown in Fig. 9
and this can be used in the selection of the most appro-
priate non-dimensional flowrate. The magnitude corre-
sponding to the Came et al. design (4) is shown to be
approximately 1.9. This does not correspond with the
value of 1.6 quoted by Came et al. (4); however the
author has not investigated the reason for this difference
as it could be a function of the additional design con-
straints imposed and/or the nature of the more detailed
flow model used. Also shown is the consequence of
modifying the discharge flow angle to 70" where a clear
reduction in the relative velocity ratio is shown.
Part A: J ournal of Power and Energy
For the non-dimensional design presented the overall
dimensions can be selected through the specification of
the minimum inlet relative Mach number condition, the
absolute flow angle at discharge and the relative vel-
ocity ratio, the discharge blade angle having been set at
- 30" due to the mechanical limitations.
4.2.2 Design pressure ratio of8
In this case the designers made the deliberate choice to
design for a supersonic inlet relative Mach number of
1.2. The impeller Mach numbers for a range of dis-
charge blade angles and impeller radius ratios are
shown in Fig. 10, and this exhibits the same pattern as
that for the previous designs. The design selected can be
identified through the discharge blade angle of - 30"
and the inlet relative Mach number of 1.2. The non-
dimensional flow contours are shown on Fig. 11,
together with the corresponding non-dimensional blade
heights and specific speed. The contour of 0 =0.109 is
that indirectly used by Osborne et al. (3). Again the
design selection has been based on the minimum inlet
relative Mach number condition, and the non-
dimensional flowrate, and hence specific speed, is based
on the selection of an inlet relative Mach number of 1.2.
At this pressure ratio selection of a subsonic inlet rela-
tive Mach number will lead to a non-dimensional blade
height below 0.03 and an impeller radius ratio of the
order of 0.46. The relative velocity ratio across the
impeller is shown in Fig. 12. In contrast to the 6.5 press-
ure ratio design described above the diffusion ratios are
much lower due to the selection of a discharge absolute
flow angle of 70".
Figures 11 and 12 also illustrate the effect of an
assumed alternative magnitude for the inducer hub to
shroud radius ratio, v . Osborne et al. (3) considered a
range of magnitudes between 0.3 and 0.5, and selected
the value of 0.5 in order to meet the imposed inlet rela-
tive Mach number of 1.2 at a desired impeller rotational
speed. As can be seen, a reduction in v to 0.3 makes it
possible to meet the design requirements with a reduced
inlet relative Mach number and a reduced impeller rela-
tive velocity ratio. If the smaller magnitude is mechani-
cally acceptable it is preferable to designing at the
imposed inlet relative Mach number of 1.2.
For the non-dimensional design procedure the impo-
sition of a magnitude to the inlet relative Mach number
locates the design point on Fig. 11 if the minimum inlet
relative Mach number condition is accepted. As can be
seen, this coincides closely with the flow angle adopted
by Osborne et al. (3).
5 DERIVATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE
ABSOLUTE DESIGN
The non-dimensional design can be transformed into
absolute dimensions through the specification of the
inlet stagnation conditions and the required mass flow-
rate. If further constraints are imposed, such as the spe-
cification of the rotational speed of the impeller, then it
may be necessary to compromise the non-dimensional
design. As the non-dimensional speed of the impeller
follows once the degree of discharge blade backsweep is
decided the impeller diameter can be derived if the rota-
tional speed is imposed together with the inlet stagna-
Q IMechE 1991
NON-DIMENSIONAL AERODYNAMIC DESIGN OF A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR IMPELLER 265
1.2
1.1
1 .o
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
- a2 =75.32
-X-X- a2 =70
0.031 1 0.0455 0.0626 b2/r2
0.435 0.526 0.616 n.
I 1 I I I I I
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Inlet Mach number
Fig. 8 Impeller radius ratio as a function of inducer conditions for P, =6.5
2.2
2.0
g
h
.o 1.8
ti
b
'8
7 1.6
0
.-
CI
-
2 1.4
1.2
/
0.6 - - \
/ 0.42
0.5
0.46
- rd'2
For a2 =70
I 1 I I 1
.o 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Inlet Mach number
Fig. 9 Impeller diffusion ratio for P, =6.5
@ IMcchE 1991 Proc Instn Mech Engrs Vol205
266
1.3 -
s? 1.2 -
B
g
3
.- 3
n
2z
M
z 1.1 -
A WHITFIELD
The non-dimensional design effectively deals with
flow conditions, that is flow areas and flow angles. To
derive the desired geometry it is necessary to apply
appropriate blockage factors to allow for boundary
layer effects and non-uniform flows, as these have not
been applied directly in the non-dimensional design. To
convert the actual flow angles to blade angles it is
necessary to consider the optimum incidence angle at
blade inlet and flow deviation at blade discharge. By
applying the slip factor directly in the design procedure
the actual blade angle has been considered at the
impeller discharge. The inlet blade angle follows from a
specification of the optimum incidence angle. Came et
al. (4) selected an optimum incidence angle of 7" to give
a blade angle of 53.81" . This selection was based on a
requirement to achieve a specified flow margin (design
flow/inducer choking flow). Osborne et al. (3) selected
an incidence angle of 4" so that the change in incidence
angle between the design point and surge was 5.25" .
The non-dimensional or absolute design can be
further assessed by predicting a complete performance
map of the proposed design using suitable empirical
flow and loss models [see Whitfield and Baines (711. If
the predicted performance does not meet the require-
ments it may be necessary to return to the preliminary
design procedure described above in order to reassess
the design together with any constraints that were orig-
inally imposed.
P, =8.0
a2 =70
/Ils =-60.3
p =0.88
q, =0.865
q s =0.825
v =0.5
"O 1
092
0
- 30
All
rla'rz
1. 6 1. 7 1. 8
Non-dimensional impeller speed Mu
(a) Discharge Mach number
092
- 20
1.3
%- 1.2
j
E
f
s 1.1
.- Y
3
-
2
T2
d
- 1.0
- 30
/
/
/
I I I
1.6 1.7 1.8
Non-dimensional impeller speed M,
(b) Inlet relative Mach number
Fig. 10 Impeller Mach numbers for P, =8
tion conditions. Consequently the non-dimensional
flowrate follows from the specified mass flowrate and
the design can be located on the inducer Mach number
diagram, for example Fig. 11. Once the absolute dimen-
sions have been determined it will be possible to see
that the hub size is sufficient to carry the desired
number of blades, and the original assumption with
respect to the magnitude of the slip factor can be
checked.
Part A: Journal of Power and Energy
6 CONCLUSIONS
By applying a full non-dimensional approach to the
preliminary design of a compressor impeller it is poss-
ible to reduce the number of variables involved to man-
ageable proportions such that the design options can be
readily represented graphically. The non-dimensional
design procedure has been applied to compressor
designs with pressure ratios of 2, 6.5 and 8. The blade
discharge angle is usually selected through stress con-
siderations, and the inlet relative flow angle from the
desire to minimize the inlet relative Mach number. With
these blade angles readily fixed the remaining parameter
to be specified is the non-dimensional mass flowrate, 0.
This has usually been done indirectly; Osborne et al. (3)
specified an inlet relative Mach number of 1.2 and
Came et al. (4) specified a specific speed of 0.527. Such
specifications effectively fix the non-dimensional design
of the impeller, and the further specification of the
required mass flowrate and inlet stagnation conditions
leads to the absolute dirnensions. Nonetheless both
authors carried out a detailed loss assessment in order
to arrive at the 'optimum design'. This in effect only
calculated the optimum inlet relative flow angle [Came
et al. (4) gave a magnitude to two decimal places] and
showed it to be very close to that which gives the
minimum inlet relative Mach number ; the small differ-
ence is likely to be due to the uncertainties associated
with the loss models used.
Selection of an appropriate non-dimensional flowrate
is equivalent to the selection of the specific speed, and
clearly different magnitudes are required for any desired
pressure ratio and selected blade backsweep. Specific
speed has no special qualities relative to the basic non-
dimensional flowrate, which is widely used in many dis-
guises for performance presentation. In any case design
Q IMechE 1991
NON-DIMENSIONAL AERODYNAMIC DESIGN OF A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR IMPELLER
P, = 8 PBZ =- 30
+-x- v = O. 3
1. 3
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
261
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I I I I I I I
-X- -X- v =0.3
t
1 .o
0 0.1 0.2 0. 3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Inlet Mach number
Fig. 12 Impeller diffusion ratio for P, =8
Proc Insta Mcch Engrs Vol205 0 IMcchE 1991
268 A WHITFIELD
selection is more appropriately based on the choice of
non-dimensional flowrate (flowrate per unit frontal
area), inlet relative Mach number and/or the associated
impeller diffusion ratio represented by the relative
Mach number or velocity ratio. Given the additional
constraints that are inevitably imposed on a compressor
design (such as a specified rotational speed or a desire
to maximize the flow range or minimize the inertia of
the rotor), the designer may have little scope in selecting
the optimum inlet relative Mach number through the
application of loss models. I t may well be found,
however, that some of the design restraints may force
the designer to select a design point away from the
minimum inlet relative Mach number condition; for
example selecting an inlet relative flow angle in excess
of - 60 (for example - 65) will lead to an increase in the
impeller radius ratio and a reduction in the absolute
diameter with a consequent reduction in inertia. The
non-dimensional design procedure described forms a
sound basis from which the full design, with all the
imposed constraints, can be developed.
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Part A : Journal of Power and Energy Q IMechE 1991