The results of tests on a series of small inward radial flow turbines, reported by Hiett and Johnston, are analysed. Stagnation type pressure loss coefficients are established for the rotors, enabling their performance to be predicted with fair accuracy over a wide range of operating conditions in both directions of rotation. In particular, secondary losses are related to the forces acting on the vanes, using a similar method to that of Ainley and Mathieson for axial flow turbines. Additional losses occurring during reverse rotation are related to the variation of lift coefficient with radius in the exducer.
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References
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