Fluid Dynamics Basics: Turbomachinery Applications

This lecture covers the fundamentals of fluid dynamics essential for understanding turbomachinery. It begins with an overview of various flow types encountered in turbomachines, including pipe flows, flows over rotating blades, and free surface flows. The instructor explains laminar flow in circular pipes, detailing the Poiseuille law and its implications for pressure gradients and velocity profiles. The discussion extends to the Navier-Stokes equations, emphasizing their application in predicting flow behavior. The lecture also addresses the transition from laminar to turbulent flow, highlighting the significance of the Reynolds number and its impact on flow characteristics. Additionally, the instructor introduces the concept of lift and drag in fluid dynamics, explaining how these forces are influenced by the angle of attack and flow conditions. The session concludes with practical applications, including the use of numerical simulations and experiments to analyze flow around profiled bodies, underscoring the importance of these principles in the design and optimization of turbomachines.