Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Anuranan Bharadwaj, Senior Kalkamanali Satvaldy, Vincent Shi
Lead Presenter's Name
Anuranan Bharadwaj
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Luis Estefano Ferrer-Vidal Espana-Heredia
Abstract
This research presents an integrated study combining computational modeling and experimental validation to enhance the design and performance characterization of small-scale turbine systems. The theoretical component focuses on developing an object-oriented Python code for the preliminary design and performance prediction of radial turbines, capable of generating velocity triangles, thermodynamic properties, and geometric parameters from user-defined inputs. The tool employs Whitfield-based correlations and fundamental gas-dynamic relations to estimate exit flow parameters, work ratio, and efficiency, offering flexibility for expansion into geometry export and CAD integration. Complementing the computational model, the experimental component aims to improve the aerodynamic testing capabilities of the axial turbine cascade rig through instrumentation and analysis upgrades. A Python-Excel integrated tool was created to determine turbine blade throat openings and deviation angles using Aungier’s correlations and Mach-dependent flow effects. Concurrently, a custom horizontal Kiel probe rake is being designed and fabricated to enable multi-point total pressure measurements, replacing single-point probes and improving data resolution. Together, these efforts establish a cohesive framework for turbomachinery design, analysis, and experimental validation. The combined methodology demonstrates how computational and experimental approaches can jointly advance the understanding of turbine aerodynamics and streamline future research and educational workflows in jet propulsion and power systems.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Commons, Heat Transfer, Combustion Commons, Propulsion and Power Commons
Turbine Aerodynamics and Performance Characterization
This research presents an integrated study combining computational modeling and experimental validation to enhance the design and performance characterization of small-scale turbine systems. The theoretical component focuses on developing an object-oriented Python code for the preliminary design and performance prediction of radial turbines, capable of generating velocity triangles, thermodynamic properties, and geometric parameters from user-defined inputs. The tool employs Whitfield-based correlations and fundamental gas-dynamic relations to estimate exit flow parameters, work ratio, and efficiency, offering flexibility for expansion into geometry export and CAD integration. Complementing the computational model, the experimental component aims to improve the aerodynamic testing capabilities of the axial turbine cascade rig through instrumentation and analysis upgrades. A Python-Excel integrated tool was created to determine turbine blade throat openings and deviation angles using Aungier’s correlations and Mach-dependent flow effects. Concurrently, a custom horizontal Kiel probe rake is being designed and fabricated to enable multi-point total pressure measurements, replacing single-point probes and improving data resolution. Together, these efforts establish a cohesive framework for turbomachinery design, analysis, and experimental validation. The combined methodology demonstrates how computational and experimental approaches can jointly advance the understanding of turbine aerodynamics and streamline future research and educational workflows in jet propulsion and power systems.