On Fluid Movement in the Interblade Space of a Radial-Axial Turbine

Abstract

Fluid velocities in the interblade space of a radial-axial turbine were analyzed for flow entering at an angle relative to the peripheral velocity direction. The blade angle and fluid radial velocity were assumed to be constant over the turbine radius. The effect of the fluid was strongest in the input region and then gradually decreased along the turbine. The effective blade length at which the fluid influenced the turbine parameters decreased if the fluid-entry and blade angles both increased although it was found to be undesirable to have them equal.