ABSTRACT
Unlike hydraulic machines or fans, both axial and radial gas turbines undergo significant pressure changes, making temperature an integral part of the analysis. In this chapter, the Brayton cycle is introduced briefly, and the concepts of cycle efficiency, back work ratio, and open versus closed cycle, are explained. The flow through an inward flow radial turbine is analyzed. By applying the energy balance across the stator and rotor of such a turbine, the concepts of total to total efficiency, total to static efficiency, stator and rotor loss coefficients, and spouting velocity are explained in detail. The reason why multi-staging is difficult to achieve in radial gas turbines is discussed. The chapter introduces detailed design procedures for 90° inward flow radial turbines.
