Definitions and

Terminologies
 Intended Learning Outcome
v

1. Define turbomachinery,
2. Classify two main categories of
turbomachinery,
3. Identify various types of pumps and turbines,
and understand how they work, and
4. Recognize the importance of turbomachinery
in Mechanical Engineering applications.
 Fluid Machines
v

Fluid machines may be broadly classified as either

positive displacement or dynamic.

• In positive-displacement machines, energy

transfer is accomplished by volume changes
that occur due to movement of the boundary
in which the fluid is confined. This includes
piston-cylinder arrangements, gear pumps
(for example, the oil pump for a car engine),
and lobe pumps (for example, those used in
medicine for circulating blood through a
machine).
The human heart is an example of a positive-displacement pump; blood is pumped by
expansion and contraction of heart chambers called ventricles. (b) The common water
meter in your house is an example of a positive-displacement turbine; water fills and
exits a chamber of known volume for each revolution of the output shaft.
 Fluid Machines
v

Fluid machines may be broadly classified

as either positive displacement or
dynamic.

• Dynamic fluid-handling devices that

direct the flow with blades or vanes
attached to a rotating member are
termed turbomachines. In contrast to
positive displacement machinery, there
is no closed volume in a turbomachine.
A wind turbine is a good example of a dynamic machine of
the open type; air turns the blades, and the output shaft
drives an electric generator.
Turbomachines
Turbo-machines are devices in which energy is transferred
either to or from a continuously flowing fluid by the
dynamic action of one or more moving blade rows.

The word turbo is of Latin origin, meaning "that which

spins."

The rotor changes the stagnation enthalpy, kinetic energy,

and stagnation pressure of the fluid.
Single stage axial flow Centrifugal
compressor or pump Mixed flow pump compressor or pump

Francis Turbine Kaplan Turbine Pelton Turbine

Turbomachines
Turbo-machinery is a major
component in
• Aircraft, marine, space (liquid
rockets), and land propulsion
systems,
• Hydraulic, gas, and steam turbines
• Industrial pipeline and processing
equipment such as gas, petroleum,
and water pumping plants
• Other applications (heart-assist
pumps, industrial compressor, and
refrigeration plants.
Turbomachines
• A turbo-machinery without a shroud
or annulus wall near the tip is
termed extended machines (e.g.,
aircraft and ship propellers, wind
turbines, etc.
• On the other hand, enclosed
machines are accommodated in a
casing so that a finite quantity of
fluid passes through the machine
per unit time (e.g., jet engine
compressors, turbines, and pumps
Extended and Enclosed Machines
Turbomachines
There are two broad categories of
turbomachinery, pumps and turbines.

• Pump is a general term for any

fluid machine that adds energy to
a fluid. They are called energy
absorbing devices since energy is
supplied to them, and they transfer
most of that energy to the fluid
usually via a rotating shaft. The
increase in fluid energy results to
an increase in the pressure of the
fluid.
Turbomachines
There are two broad categories of
turbomachinery, pumps and turbines.

• Turbines are energy producing

devices. They extract energy from the
fluid and transfer most of that energy
to some form of mechanical energy
output typically in the form of a
rotating shaft. The fluid at the outlet
of a turbine suffers an energy loss
typically in the form of a loss of
pressure.
Pumps
Fluid machines that move liquids are called pumps.
• A fan is a gas pump with relatively low pressure rise and high flow
rate. Examples include ceiling fans, house fans, and propellers.
• A blower is a gas pump with relatively moderate to high pressure rise
and moderate to high flow rate. Examples include centrifugal blowers
and squirrel cage blowers in automobile ventilation systems, furnaces,
and leaf blowers.
• A compressor is a gas pump designed to deliver a very high pressure
rise, typically at low to moderate flow rates. Examples include air
compressors that run pneumatic tools and inflate tires at automobile
service stations, and refrigerant compressors used in heat pumps,
refrigerators, and air conditioners.
Fan, Blower, Compressor
Pumps
• Pumps and compressors consist of a
rotating wheel called impeller or rotor.
• They are driven by an external power
source (a motor) to increase the flow
kinetic energy, followed by an element to
decelerate the flow, thereby increasing its
pressure. This combination is known as a
stage.
• The rotating wheel and driving element
are contained within a housing or casing.
• A single pump or compressor might
consist of several stages within a single
housing, depending on the amount of
pressure rise required of the machine.
Turbines
Turbines are used to convert freely available
mechanical energy from rivers and wind into useful
mechanical work, usually through a rotating shaft.

• The rotating part of a hydro turbine is called the

runner.
• When the working fluid is water, the turbomachines
are called hydraulic turbines or hydro turbines.
• When the working fluid is air, and energy is
extracted from the wind, the machine is properly
called a wind turbine.
• In coal or nuclear power plants, the working fluid is
usually steam; hence, the turbomachines that
convert energy from the steam into mechanical
energy of a rotating shaft are called steam
turbines.
• A more generic name for turbines that employ a
compressible gas as the working fluid is gas
turbine.
Hydraulic, Steam, Wind, Gas Turbines
Turbines
The two most general classifications of
turbines are impulse and reaction turbines.

• Impulse turbines are driven by one or

more high-speed free jets. The classic
example of an impulse turbine is the
waterwheel.

• In reaction turbines, part of the pressure

change takes place externally and part
takes place within the moving blades.
External acceleration occurs and the flow is
turned to enter the runner in the proper
direction as it passes through nozzles or
stationary blades, called guide vanes or
wicket gates.
 Pumps, fans,
compressors

cased uncased

Propellers
axial Mixed flow centrifugal
and screws

Rotodynamic Machines
 Pumps, fans,
compressors

reciprocating Rotary

Direct driven Crank drive centrifugal swashplate Screw Gear Vane Lobe Miscellaneous

Positive Displacement Machines

 Turbines

Impulse Reaction

Pelton Axial flow Mixed flow Radial flow

Windmills
Wheel (Kaplan) (Francis) (Banki)

Rotodynamic Machines
 Motor

Piston Vane Gear

Positive Displacement Machines

Applications of Turbomachinery
Aerospace Vehicle Applications

Compressor and turbine are used in gas

turbines for power and propulsion of
aircraft, helicopters, unmanned
aerospace vehicles, V/STIL aircraft,
missiles, and so on.

Turbines and pumps are used in liquid

rocket engines utilized for the propulsion
of space vehicles.
Applications of Turbomachinery
Marine Vehicle Applications

Turbomachinery components are used in:

power plants for submarines, hydrofoil

boats, naval surface ships, hovercraft, and
soon.

propeller and propulsion plants used in

ships, underwater vehicles, hydrofoil boats,
and so on.
Applications of Turbomachinery
Land Vehicle Applications

Turbomachinery is an
important component in the
gas turbines used in trucks,
cars, and high-speed train
systems. An automotive gas
turbine which utilized a
centrifugal compressor and a
radial turbine.
Applications of Turbomachinery
Energy Applications

Steam turbines used in steam,

nuclear, and coal power plants,
hydraulic turbines are used in
hydropower plants, gas turbines
are used in gas turbine power
plants, wind turbines also belong
to this class.
Applications of Turbomachinery
Industrial Applications

Compressor and pumping machinery are

used in gas and petroleum transmissions
and other industrial and processing
applications, pumping machinery is used
in fire fighting, water purification, and
pumping plants, high-speed miniature
turbo expanders are used in
refrigeration equipment, compressors
are used in refrigeration plants
(industrial and other uses).
Check for Understanding
Proceed to Moodle and Answer the Check for Understanding in
15 minutes
 Dimensional Analysis as
applied in fluid machineries
 Intended Learning Outcome
v

1. Develop a better understanding of dimensions and units,

2. Understand the numerous benefits of dimensional
analysis of turbomachines,
3. Know how to use the Buckingham Pi Method to identify
nondimensional parameters of turbomachines,
4. Understand the concept of dynamic similarity and how to
apply it to experimental modeling.
5. Solve problems related to dimensional analysis.
Dimensional Analysis
• Dimensional analysis is found to be very useful tool in fluid
flow analysis.
• In dimensional analysis, the number of parameters can be
reduced generally to three by grouping relevant variables to
form dimensionless parameters.
• These groups facilitate the presentation of the results of
the experiments effectively and to generalize the results
so that these can be applied to similar situations.
• In dimensional analysis, all physical relationships can be
reduced to the fundamental quantities of force, length, and
time.
Dimensional Analysis
• Dimensionless parameters provide a number of advantages:
1. With an appropriate choice of dimensionless parameters,
the performance of machines can be characterized using
only a few key variables.
2. Given data on the size of machine performance can be
predicted at different sizes.
3. Given data on one set of operating conditions, behavior at
different operating conditions can be predicted.
4. Enable designers to pick a particular machine shape of
maximum efficiency.
Some common established nondimensional parameters encountered in fluid
Some common established nondimensional parameters encountered in fluid
Method of determination of dimensionless groups
Intuitive method:
• This method relies on basic understanding of the
phenomenon and then identifying competing quantities
like types of forces or lengths, etc. and obtaining ratios of
similar quantities.
• Some examples are viscous force vs inertia force, viscous
force vs gravity force or roughness dimension vs
diameter.
Method of determination of dimensionless groups
Rayleigh method:
• A functional power relation is assumed between the parameters and
then the values of indices are solved for to obtain the grouping.
• For example, considering a problem in which the drag force on a
stationary sphere in flow is found to depend on diameter, velocity,
fluid density and viscosity.
• To obtain a curve Force versus velocity for fixed values of density,
viscosity and diameter, one can write
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑑 𝑒
𝜋1 𝜋2 = 𝐹 , 𝜌 , 𝐷 , 𝜇 , 𝑈
• The values of a, b, c, d, and e are obtained by comparing the
dimensions on both sides. The dimensions on the L.H.S being zero as
𝜋 terms are dimensionless.
Method of determination of dimensionless groups
Buckingham Pi theorem method:
• One important procedure usually used in dimensional analysis is the
Buckingham 𝜋 theorem.
• The statement of the theorem is as follows: If a relation among n
parameters exists in the form
𝑓(𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , 𝑞𝑛 ) = 0
• The equation implies that the n parameters can be grouped into 𝑛 − 𝑚
independent dimensionless ratios or 𝜋 parameters, expressed in the form
𝑔(𝜋1 , 𝜋2 , 𝜋𝑛−𝑚 ) = 0
𝜋1 = 𝑔 𝜋2 , 𝜋3 , 𝜋𝑛−𝑚
• Where m is the number of dimensions required to specific the
dimensions of all the parameters, 𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , 𝑞𝑛
Determination of 𝜋 Groups
Step 1. List all the parameters that influence the phenomenon
concerned
• Usually, three type of parameters may be identified in fluid flow
namely fluid properties, geometry, and flow parameters like
velocity and pressure.
Step 2. Select a set of primary dimensions
• (Mass, length, and time), (force, length and time), (mass, length,
time and temperature) are some of the sets used popularly.

Step 3. List the dimensions of all the parameters in terms of

the chosen set of primary dimensions.
Dimensions associated with common quantities
Determination of 𝜋 Groups
Step 4. Select from the list of parameters a set of repeating
parameters equal to the number of primary dimensions
• Guidelines: chosen set should contain all the dimensions, two
parameters with same dimensions should not be chosen, the
dependent parameters to be determined should not be chosen.
Step 5. Set up a dimensional equation with the repeating set
and one of the remaining parameters, in turn to obtain
𝒏 − 𝒎 such equations
• To determine 𝜋 terms numbering n-m, the form of the equation is
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑑
𝜋1 = 𝑞𝑚+1 𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑞3 … . . 𝑞𝑚
• The solution of these set of equations will give the values of a, b, c,
d, and 𝜋 will be defined.
Determination of 𝜋 Groups
Step 6. Check whether 𝝅 terms obtained are dimensionless
• This step is essential before proceeding with experiments to
determine the functional relationship between the 𝜋 terms.
• If the number of fundamental dimensions is 𝑚, the number of
terms will be equal to (𝑛 – 𝑚).
• The first 𝜋 term can be expressed as the product of the chosen
quantities each to an unknown exponent and the other quantity to
a known power (usually taken as one).
• For each term, solve for the unknown exponent by dimensional
analysis.
1
• Any term can replace by any power of that term 𝜋1 by 𝜋1 , or by ,
2
𝜋1
also any term can be multiplied by a numerical constant.
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Example:
• The pressure energy (E) of hydraulic machines is represented by 𝜌𝑔𝐻. The
pressure energy is found to be influenced by wheel diameter (D), volumetric
discharge (𝑄), fluid density (𝜌), kinematic viscosity (v) and the rotating speed (N).
Conduct dimensional analysis to correlate experimental results.

Step 1. List all the parameters that influence the phenomenon concerned.
• The phenomenon concerned is Energy and the parameters that influenced
Energy are: wheel diameter (D), volumetric discharge (𝑄 ), fluid density (𝜌 ),
kinematic viscosity (v) and the rotating speed (N)

𝐸 = 𝑓(𝐷, 𝑁, 𝑄, 𝜌, 𝑣)
𝑓 𝐸, 𝐷, 𝑁, 𝑄, 𝜌, 𝑣 = 0
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Step 2. Select a set of primary dimensions
• The primary dimensions are MLT (Mass, Length and Time)

Step 3. List the dimensions of all the parameters in terms of the chosen set of
primary dimensions
𝐸 = 𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −2
𝐷=𝐿
−1
𝑁=𝑇
3 −1
𝑄=𝐿 𝑇
𝜌 = 𝑀𝐿−3
𝑣 = 𝐿2 𝑇 −1
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Step 4. Select from the list of parameters a set of repeating parameters equal
to the number of primary dimensions

There are n = 6 parameters and 𝑚 = 3 number of dimensions required to specify

the dimensions of all the parameters. Following Buckingham 𝜋 theorem, we have
n − m = 3 𝜋 terms.

The three independent variables D, N, E are chosen

𝜋1 = 𝐷, 𝑁, 𝐸, 𝜌
𝜋2 = 𝐷, 𝑁, 𝐸, 𝑄
𝜋3 = 𝐷, 𝑁, 𝐸, 𝑣
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Step 5. Set up a dimensional equation with the repeating set and one of the
remaining parameters, in turn to obtain n-m such equations

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 𝑥 −𝑦 𝑧 −𝑧 −2𝑧 −3
𝜋1 = 𝐷 𝑁 𝐸 𝜌 = 𝐿 𝑇 (𝑀 𝐿 𝑇 )(𝑀𝐿 )

𝑥−𝑧−3=0
−𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 0
𝑧+1=0
Solving x, y, z simultaneously
𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 2, 𝑧 = −1

𝟐 𝟐
𝑫 𝑵
𝜋1 = 𝐷 2 𝑁 2 𝐸 −1 𝜌 = 𝐷 2 𝑁 2 (𝜌𝑔𝐻)−1 𝜌 =
𝒈𝒉
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Step 5. Set up a dimensional equation with the repeating set and one of the
remaining parameters, in turn to obtain n-m such equations

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 𝑥 −𝑦 𝑧 −𝑧 −2𝑧 3 −1
𝜋2 = 𝐷 𝑁 𝐸 𝑄 = 𝐿 𝑇 (𝑀 𝐿 𝑇 )(𝐿 𝑇 )

𝑥−𝑧+3=0
−𝑦 − 2𝑧 − 1 = 0
𝑧=0
Solving x, y, z simultaneously
𝑥 = −3, 𝑦 = −1, 𝑧=0

−3 −1 0 −3 −1 0
𝑸
𝜋2 = 𝐷 𝑁 𝐸 𝑄=𝐷 𝑁 (𝜌𝑔𝐻) 𝑄 =
𝑵𝑫𝟑
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Step 5. Set up a dimensional equation with the repeating set and one of the
remaining parameters, in turn to obtain n-m such equations

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 𝑥 −𝑦 𝑧 −𝑧 −2𝑧 2 −1
𝜋3 = 𝐷 𝑁 𝐸 𝑣 = 𝐿 𝑇 (𝑀 𝐿 𝑇 )(𝐿 𝑇 )

𝑥−𝑧+2=0
−𝑦 − 2𝑧 − 1 = 0
𝑧=0
Solving x, y, z simultaneously
𝑥 = −2, 𝑦 = −1, 𝑧=0

−2 −1 0 −2 −1 0
𝒗
𝜋3 = 𝐷 𝑁 𝐸 𝑣=𝐷 𝑁 (𝜌𝑔𝐻) 𝑣 =
𝑵𝑫𝟐
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Step 6. Check whether 𝝅 terms obtained are dimensionless

2 2
𝐷 𝑁
𝜋1 =
𝑔ℎ
𝑔𝐻
𝜋1 = 2 2 (analogous to Manometric Coefficient)
′
𝐷 𝑁
𝑄
𝜋2 = (analogous to Discharge Coefficient)
𝑁𝐷3
𝑣
𝜋3 =
𝑁𝐷 2
𝑁𝐷 2
′
𝜋3 = (analogous to Reynold’s Number)
𝑣
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Seatwork:
The power (P) developed by hydraulic machines is found to
depend on the head (h), flow rate (Q), density (𝜌), speed (N),
runner diameter (D), and acceleration due to gravity (g).
Obtain suitable dimensionless parameters to correlate
experimental results. Hint: Take density, diameter and
acceleration due to gravity as repeating parameters.
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Results:
𝑃
𝜋1 = 7 3
𝜌𝐷2 𝑔2
ℎ
𝜋2 =
𝐷
𝑄
𝜋3 = 1 5
𝑔2 𝐷 2
1/2
𝑁𝐷
𝜋4 = 1
𝑔2
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Coefficients for Hydraulic Machines
Hydraulic machines are those turbomachines that operate
with liquid (most often water) as the working fluid.
These are enormously significant devices which produce up
to 20% of the worlds electricity in large and small
hydroelectric plants. Pumps are vital to the infrastructure of
water and fuel supply.

Dimensional analysis of hydraulic machines yields a different

set of coefficients: flow, head, and power coefficients.
Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines
Coefficients for Hydraulic Machines
𝑄
1 5
𝑸 𝝅𝟑 𝑸
1. Flow coefficient 𝐂𝐟 =
𝑔2 𝐷2
= =𝑁𝐷1/2
=
𝑵𝑫𝟑 𝝅𝟒 𝑵𝑫𝟑
1
𝑔2
ℎ
𝒈𝑯 𝝅𝟐 𝒈𝒉
2. Head coefficient 𝐂𝐡 = 𝟐 𝟐 =𝟐 = 𝐷
𝟐 =
𝑵 𝑫 𝝅𝟒 1 𝑵𝟐 𝑫𝟐
𝑁𝐷2
1
𝑔2
𝑃
7 3
𝑷 𝝅𝟏 𝑷
3. Power coefficient 𝐂𝐩 =
𝜌𝐷2 𝑔2
= = 1 𝟑
=
𝝆𝑵𝟑 𝑫𝟓 𝝅𝟑𝟒 𝝆𝑵𝟑 𝑫𝟓
𝑁𝐷2
1
𝑔2
Application on Dimensional Analysis

The plot consists of pressure rise

against flow in the pump at
different % of the maximum
speed and is taken from a pump
experiment at the University of
Durham.
Application on Dimensional Analysis
The plot represents the same
information in the previous slide in
non-dimensional terms this time using
flow coefficient compared to pressure
rise coefficient. The data are exactly
the same but reduces the relationship
at different speeds to a single line. This
shows how plotting parameters in
terms of dimensionless quantities is a
powerful method for reducing the
complexity and amount of information
an engineer needs to understand.
Application on Dimensional Analysis
Efficiency is also a non-dimensional parameter for hydraulic
machine and it varies between pumps and turbines as follows:

𝐼𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘
𝜂𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 =
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘

𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘
𝜂𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒 =
𝐼𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘
Application on Dimensional Analysis
Similitude and Model Testing
• Fluid flow analysis is involved in the design of aircraft, ships,
submarines, turbines, pumps, harbors and tall buildings and
structures.
• Fluid flow is influenced by several factors and because of this, the
analysis is more complex.
• For many practical situations exact solutions are not available.
• The estimates may vary by as much as 20%
• Because of this, it is not possible to solely rely on design
calculations and performance predictions.
• Experimental validation of the design is thus found necessary.
Application on Dimensional Analysis
Similitude and Model Testing
• Constructing and testing small versions of the unit is called
model testing.
• Similarity of features enables the prediction of the performance
of the full size unit from the test results of the smaller unit.
• The application of dimensional analysis is helpful in planning of
the experiments as well as prediction of the performance of the
larger unit from the test results of the model.
• In engineering point of view, model can be defines as the
representation of physical system that may be used to predict
the behavior of the system in the desired aspect.
Application on Dimensional Analysis
Similitude and Model Testing
• The system whose behavior is to be predicted by the model is
called the prototype.
• As models are generally smaller than the prototype, these are
cheaper to build and test.
• Model testing is also used for evaluating proposed modifications
to existing systems.
• The effect of the changes on the performance of the system can
be predicted by model testing before attempting the
modifications.
• Models should be carefully designed for reliable prediction of the
prototype performance.
Application on Dimensional Analysis
Similitude and Model Testing
• Dimensional analysis provides a good basis for laying down the
conditions for similarity.
• If a model is to be similar to the prototype and also function
similarly as the prototype, then the pi terms for the model should
also have the same value as that of the prototype or the same
functional relationship as the prototype.
• The similarity requirements for modelling laws is given by:
𝜋1𝑚 = 𝜋1𝑝 , 𝜋2𝑚 = 𝜋2𝑝 , 𝜋3𝑚 = 𝜋3𝑝
Application on Dimensional Analysis
Similitude and Model Testing
• For fluid flow through turbomachinery, the operating variables of
the machines are flow rate (Q), the power (P), and the speed (N).
• The fluid properties are the density and viscosity.
• The machine parameters are the diameter and a characteristic
length and the roughness of the flow surface.
• Power, head, and efficiency can be expressed as functions of 𝜋
terms as
2
𝐿 𝜀 𝑄 𝜌𝑁𝐷
𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 = 𝑓1 ( , . 3
, )
𝐷 𝐷 𝑁𝐷 𝜇
Application on Dimensional Analysis
Similitude and Model Testing
• If two similar machines are operated with the same flow
coefficient, then power and head coefficients will also be equal
for the machines.
• This will then lead to the same efficiency.
• Combining flow and head coefficients in the case of pumps will
give the dimensionless specific speed of the pump.
Specific Speed of Fluid
Machineries
 Intended Learning Outcome
v

1. Define specific speed and its relevance in selecting a

machine type, designing model tests, and scaling results.
2. Understand the derivation of the specific speed of pumps
and turbines,
3. Solve problems related to the specific speeds of pumps
and turbines.
Specific Speed
• Used to characterize the operation of a pump or turbine at its
optimum conditions (best efficiency point) and is useful for
preliminary pump/turbine selection.
• It is a useful parameter which can be obtained by combining the
flow and head coefficients and eliminating the machine size.
• Use to characterize the hydraulic design features of a machine.
• Low specific speeds correspond to efficient operation of radial-
flow machines.
• High specific speeds corresponds to efficient operation of axial-
flow machines.
v

Commercial pumps and hydraulic turbines data

Specific Speed for Turbines
• The efficiency of turbines is defined
as
Power coefficient
η=
flow coefficient x head coefficient

𝑃
𝜌𝑁 3 𝐷 5 𝑃
η= =
𝑄 𝑔ℎ 𝜌𝑄𝑔𝐻
3 ( 2 2)
𝑁𝐷 𝑁 𝐷
Specific Speed for Turbines
• For turbine, the requirement is power (P),
so the dimensionless coefficient is picked
as:
1
Power coefficient 2
Nst = 5
head coefficient 4
1
P 2
ρN 3 D5 N P
Nst = 5 = 1 5
gh 4 ρ2 gH 4
N 2 D2
Specific Speed for Turbines
• The dimensionless specific speed has a unique value for maximum
efficiency for a given shape of a machine. It is a shape parameter
independent of the size D. By calculating the value of specific speed,
from the design specifications, we can determine the most efficient
machine type.
• Normally hydraulic turbines use water and remain on the surface of the
earth so density and gravity are dropped to given a dimensional
specific speed:
N (rpm) P (hp, W)
Nst = 5
H(ft, m)4
• For commercial machines, there are size limitations the upper limit for
N is determined by material strength and machine with a small power
output P of a given type become less efficient.
Specific Speed for Pumps
• The efficiency of pump is defined
as
flow coefficient x head coefficient
η=
Power coefficient

𝑄 𝑔ℎ
3 ( 2 2) 𝜌𝑄𝑔𝐻
η= 𝑁𝐷 𝑁 𝐷 =
𝑃 𝑃
𝜌𝑁 3 𝐷 5
Specific Speed for Pumps
• For a pump, the requirement is more likely to be flow (Q), so a different dimensionless
group is picked
1
flow coefficient 2
Nsp = 3
head coefficient 4
1
Q 2
ND3 N Q
Nsp = 3 = 3
gh 4 gH 4
N 2 D2
m3
N (rpm) Q(gpm, )
Nsp = hr
3
H (ft, m) 4
• Pump specific speed is used to characterize the operation of a pump at its optimum
conditions (best efficiency point) and is useful for preliminary pump selection.
Using Specific Speed
• Pump and turbine manufacturers will provide charts and
diagrams that relate pump or turbine geometry to specific speed.
• These charts are based on the manufacturer’s experience with
particular machines as the choice of machine type depends on
the maximum efficiency which can only be determined by
testing.
• Companies and organizations have widely different choices for
the units they apply to their charts.
 Using Specific Speed
v

Plot of specific speed against

head from a large hydroelectric
power plants produced by
Alstom Power from 1965-
2006. The point of the graph is
to show how the different
turbine types are grouped
together.
 Using Specific Speed
vv

From the previous illustration of industry practice, one can draw up

some guidelines for turbine type based on specific speed as shown in
the table below:
 Using Specific Speed
vv

When selecting a pump for a particular application, and knowing the shaft
speed, flow and differential head, a calculation of specific speed will identify
the impeller shape most suited to the task (Figure 1).
 Using Specific Speed
vv

Maximum efficiency as a function of pump specific speed for the three main
types of dynamic pump. The horizontal scales show nondimensional pump
specific speed (𝑁𝑆𝑝 ), pump specific speed in customary U.S. units (𝑁𝑆𝑝 , US),
and pump specific speed in customary European units (𝑁𝑆𝑝 , Eur).
 Using Specific Speed
vv

Maximum efficiency as a function of turbine specific speed for the three

main types of dynamic turbine. The horizontal scales show nondimensional
turbine specific speed (𝑁𝑆𝑝 ), pump specific speed in customary U.S. units
(𝑁𝑆𝑝 , US), and turbine specific speed in customary European units (𝑁𝑆𝑝 , Eur).