International Institute for Aerospace Engineering & Management

Department of Aerospace Engineering

2021 - 22
VI Semester
PROPULSION LABORATORY
MANUAL
Subject Code: 18AS66L

Faculty in-charge:
Mr. Vamsi Krishna. C, Asst Prof
Mr. Arvind. H , Teaching Assistant

i|Page
 Contents Page No.

General Information I

Course Design VIII

Do’s and Don’ts in the lab XI

Data Sheets -

Exp. No Name of Experiment

01 Forced convection heat transfer on a flat plate 1

02 Natural convection heat transfer on an aerofoil 5

03 Measurement of nozzle flow 8

04 Free jet experiment 13

05 Propeller test rig 17

06 Cascade wind tunnel 20

07 Measurement Of Burning Velocity of A Premixed Flame

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 Vision and mission of the Department of Aerospace Engineering
Vision
To be one of the leading Aerospace Engineering departments to provide quality education and contribute to
research and technological innovation.
Mission
• To provide the best possible educational facilities for rendering well designed curriculum
• To impart sound knowledge through best Teaching-learning practices and training for acquiring requisite
skills
• To engage in research through funded projects and collaborating with industry for technological
development

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs):

1. Graduates will have a successful professional career in the field of aerospace engineering.
2. Graduates will be highly motivated for taking up higher education and research.
3. Graduates will have the ability to work independently as well as in a team with professional ethics.

Program Outcomes
Programme
Sr No Description
Outcome

Apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals, and an

1. PO: 1
engineering specialization to the solution of complex engineering problems.

Identify, formulate, review research literature, and analyse complex engineering problems
2. PO: 2 reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences,
and engineering sciences.

Design solutions for complex engineering problems and design system components or
3. PO: 3 processes that meet the specified needs with appropriate consideration for the public health
and safety, and the cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.

Use research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments,

4. PO: 4 analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of the information to provide valid
conclusions.

Create, select, and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering and IT
5. PO: 5 tools including prediction and modelling to complex engineering activities with an
understanding of the limitations.

Apply reasoning informed by the contextual knowledge to assess societal, health, safety,
6. PO: 6 legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to the professional
engineering practice.

Understand the impact of the professional engineering solutions in societal and

7. PO: 7 environmental contexts, and demonstrate the knowledge of, and need for sustainable
development.

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 Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of
8. PO: 8
the engineering practice.

Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse teams, and in

9. PO: 9
multidisciplinary settings.

Communicate effectively on complex engineering activities with the engineering community

10. PO: 10 and with society at large, such as, being able to comprehend and write effective reports and
design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the engineering and management principles

11. PO: 11 and apply these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects
and in multidisciplinary environments.

Recognize the need for, and have the preparation and ability to engage in independent and
12. PO: 12
life-long learning in the broadest context of technological change.

Program Specific Outcomes

Branch PSO Description

Students will possess skills in design, development and testing of structures and
1
systems for aerospace vehicles.

B.Tech in Students will become competent to take up real time projects through aerospace
Aerospace 2
industries.
Engineering

Students will become globally competitive by pursuing research in multidisciplinary

3
areas.

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 Course Code and Title : Propulsion lab Course Credits : 0:0:1
CIE : 80 Marks UE : 20 Marks
Total No of Practical Hours : 3
Prepared by : Mr. Vamsi Krishna C
Date :
Reviewed by : Dr.Allamaprabhu CY

Prerequisite Courses with codes: Propulsion I , Thermodynamics

Course Objectives:
To expose the students to experimental understanding of heat transfer and propulsion concepts.

Lab program Schedule

Lesson CO
Topics Duration
Plan Attained
Estimation of heat transfer coefficient for forced convection
1 3 CO1
over a Flat Plat
Estimation of heat transfer coefficient for natural
2 3 CO1
convection over an airfoil
Determine the pressure and velocity distribution in a
3 3 CO3
convergent nozzle
4 Study the velocity profile in free jets 3 CO4
Study the performance of a propeller at different speeds to
5 3 CO2
measure the thrust force
Study the pressure distribution in cascade at different
6 3 CO5
angles of incidence

Text Books:
1. Yunus A Cengel, “Heat and Mass Transfer”, A practical Approach, 3rd Edition, Tata McGraw
Hill.
2. Cohen, H. Rogers, G.F.C. and Saravanamuttoo, H.I.H, “Gas Turbine Theory”, Longman,1989
Reference Books:
1. Incropera and DeWitt, “Fundamentals of Heat Mass Transfer”, 6th Ed, John Wiley & Sons,
New Delhi, 2002.

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Course Outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able
1. To estimate and analyze heat transfer coefficient for forced convection over a flat plate and
natural convection over an airfoil.
2. To calculate the performance of a twin blade propeller.
3. To measure the pressure and velocity distribution in a convergent nozzle.
4. To determine the growth rate of a free jet by finding the velocity profiles at different locations.
5. To predict the pressure distribution on the blade surface of a turbine in cascade wind tunnel.

Course Assessment and Evaluation

What To When/ Where Max Evidence Contributing to

whom (Frequency in mark collected Course
the course) s Outcomes

Internal
CIE Internal Weekly 80 CIA book Yes
Assessment

Evaluation
Methods
Direct

Lab end Answer

UE Examination External 20 Yes
Experiment scripts
End of course

Prepared by: Signature with date:

Mr. Vamsi Krishna C, Asst Prof

Mr. Arvind.H, Teaching Assistant

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 Dos and Don’ts in the Lab
DOs:-
1. Come in time wearing appropriate dress neatly. Maintain discipline and punctuality.
2. Come prepared for the experiment you are going to perform by understanding the relevant
background material in your textbook, or in library references.
3. Come to laboratory with a plan in mind with proper preparation.
4. Students should carry observation book, pen, pencil, calculator and any other items that are
necessary in the lab.
5. Submit the completed record of previous experiments conducted in every class.
6. Correct specifications of the equipment have to be mentioned in the circuit diagram.
7. Do the connections neatly and firmly tightened with proper value of the component.
8. After completing the connections, Students should request the teacher to verify the circuit before
switching ON the sources.
9. Student should be aware of operating equipment. In case of doubt, obtain clarification from the
teacher. Set the correct range and function
10. Note that The oscilloscope (CRO) once switched ON need not be switched OFF till the end of the
experiment; frequent switching ON and OFF will reduce the life of CRT.
11. Students should be at their concerned experiment table, unnecessary movement is restricted.
12. The values recorded during the experiment must be shown to the Faculty for verification.
13. Students must ensure that all switches are in the OFF position and all the connections are removed
before leaving the lab.
14. Arrange the equipments properly and make sure that all the items are returned before leaving the lab
premises. Keep all knobs of sources at their minimum position.
15. Keep all your valuable items with personal care; lab personnel are not responsible for your items.
16. MAINTAIN SILENCE!

DON’Ts:-
1. Don’t bring eatables. Mobile phones are prohibited in laboratories.
2. Don’t keep unwanted materials on the work table.
3. Don’t make or remove the connections with the power ON.
4. Don’t leave the lab without the permission of the Faculty In-Charge.

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 Experiment 1
FORCED CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER
ON A FLAT PLATE

AIM:
To determine the convective heat transfer coefficient in Forced Convection.

INTRODUCTION:
Convection is classified as natural (or free) and forced convection depending on how
the fluid motion is initiated. In forced convection, the fluid is forced to flow over a surface or
in a pipe by external means such as a pump or a fan. Convection is also classified as external
and internal, depending on whether the fluid is forced to flow over a surface or in a channel.
There is a fundamental difference between external and internal flows. In external flow, the
fluid has a free surface and thus the boundary layer over the surface is free to grow indefinitely.
In internal flow, the fluid is completely confined by the inner surfaces of the tube, and thus
there is a limit on how much a boundary layer can grow.

APPARATUS:
The apparatus consists of
(a) A rectangular duct with a flat plate inside.
(b) A plate heater of power=250 watts.
(c) A regulator to control the power input to the heater.
(d) Voltmeter and Ammeter to measure power input to the heater.
(e) ThermocouplesT1 and T6 measure air temperature at the inlet and outlet of the duct.
Thermocouples T2, T3, T4 and T5 measure heater surface temperatures.
(f) A channel selector to read the temperature at different points.
(g) A digital temperature indicator.
(h) A fan with regulator to blow air through the duct at different velocities.
(i) Anemometer to measure air velocity.

1
OPERATION PROCEDURE:
a) Switch on the Mains and the Console.
b) Start the fan by operating the fan regulator and set it to a certain velocity in the duct.
c) Switch on the heater and adjust the power to a suitable value using the regulator.
d) Wait for some time to allow the temperatures to reach steady value.
e) Note the temperatures T1 to T6 using the channel selector and the digital temperature
indicator.

T1 = Temperature of air at inlet in oC.

T6 = Temperature of air at outlet in oC.
T2, T3, T4, T5 = Temperatures on the surface of the flat plate.

f) Measure power input (watts) to the heater using the voltmeter and ammeter readings.
g) Tabulate the measured temperatures and power input to the heater.
h) Calculate the convective heat transfer coefficient.
i) Repeat the experiment for different values of power input to the heater
and the blower flow rates.

2
CALCULATIONS:
Actual heat transfer coefficient:

Heat supplied to the plate = Heat lost from the plate due to forced convection.

𝑄 = ℎ̅𝐴𝑠 (𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ )

𝑄 = 𝑉𝐼

𝐴𝑠 = 𝑙𝑏
l = length of the plate = 160mm.
b = breadth of the plate =103 mm.
𝑇𝑠 is the average temperature of the plate.

𝑇2 + 𝑇3 + 𝑇4 + 𝑇5
𝑇𝑠 =
4

𝑇∞ = ambient air temperature = T1

𝑄
ℎ̅ =
𝐴𝑠 (𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ )
Theoretical heat transfer coefficient:

The average Nusselt number over the entire plate is

ℎ̅𝑙
̅̅̅̅𝐿 =
𝑁𝑢 = 𝐶 𝑅𝑒𝐿𝑚 𝑃𝑟 𝑛
𝑘
𝑉∞ 𝑙
𝑅𝑒𝐿 =
𝜈

Laminar: C=0.664, m=0.5 and n=1/3 𝑅𝑒𝐿 < 5 × 105

Turbulent: C=0.037, m=0.8 and n=1/3 5 × 105 ≤ 𝑅𝑒𝐿 ≤ 107

0.6 ≤ 𝑃𝑟 ≤ 60

3
The first constants give the average heat transfer heat transfer coefficient for the entire plate
when the flow is laminar over the entire plate. The second constants give the average heat
transfer heat transfer coefficient for the entire plate only when the flow is turbulent over the
entire plate, or when the laminar flow region of the plate is too small relative to the turbulent
flow region.
All the fluid properties are evaluated at the film temperature

𝑇𝑠 + 𝑇∞
𝑇𝑓 =
2

TABULARCOLUMN:

Sl. V I Q 𝑽∞ T oC
No.
volts amps watts m/s T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
1 45 0.4 4.5 32 94 96 92 98 36

RESULTS:

Sl.No. 𝑽∞ Re h h Q
Experiment Theory

4
 Experiment 2
NATURAL CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER ON AN
AEROFOIL

AIM:
To determine the heat transfer coefficient through measurements on the surface of an aerofoil
in both vertical and horizontal positions.

INTRODUCTION:
Convection is the mode of heat transfer between a solid surface and the fluid moving adjacent
to it, and it involves the combined effect of conduction and fluid motion. The faster the fluid motion,
the greater the convection heat transfer. When the fluid motion is caused by buoyancy forces which
are induced by density differences arising from variation of temperature in the fluid, it is called free
or natural convection.

APPARATUS:
An aluminium aerofoil model, angle (0-90°) adjustment and six thermocouples. The control
panel consists of a digital temperature indicator, heat controller, voltmeter and ammeter.

PROCEDURE:

1. Set the aerofoil model in horizontal Position.

2. Switch on the main switch & the Console.

3. Adjust the regulator to set the heat input at approximately 20 Watts (VI ).

4. Wait for sufficient time to allow the unit to reach steady state.

5. Note down the thermocouple readings T1 to T7 using the channel selector and the digital
temperature indicator.

5
6. Note down the ammeter & voltmeter readings.

7. Tabulate the heat input & measured temperatures.

8. Calculate the convection heat transfer coefficient.

9. Repeat the experiment by changing the aero foil to vertical position.

TABULAR COLUMN:

Sl. V I Q Temperature in °C h h
No. volts amps watts Actual Theoretical
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7

CALCULATIONS:

Actual heat transfer coefficient:

Heat supplied to the heater = Heat lost from the aerofoil due to natural convection.

𝑄 = ℎ̅𝐴𝑠 (𝑇𝑚 − 𝑇∞ )

𝑄 = 𝑉𝐼

𝐴𝑠 = 𝑙𝑏

l = length of the aerofoil = 300mm.

b = breadth =100mm
𝑇∞ = ambient air temperature
𝑇𝑚 = average temperature of the aerofoil.

6
 𝑇2 + 𝑇3 + 𝑇4 + 𝑇5 + 𝑇6 + 𝑇7
𝑇𝑚 =
6
𝑄
ℎ̅ =
𝐴𝑠 (𝑇𝑚 − 𝑇∞ )

Theoretical heat transfer coefficient:

Theoretical value of the natural heat transfer coefficient is given by the following empirical
relation for the average Nusselt number

ℎ̅𝐿𝑐
̅̅̅̅
𝑁𝑢𝐿 = = 𝐶 (𝐺𝑟𝐿 𝑃𝑟)𝑛 = 𝐶𝑅𝑎𝐿𝑛
𝑘

The Rayleigh number 𝑅𝑎𝐿 is the product of the Grashoff and Prandtl numbers

𝑔𝛽(𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ )𝐿3𝑐
𝑅𝑎𝐿 = 𝐺𝑟𝐿 𝑃𝑟 = 𝑃𝑟
𝜐2

𝛽 =volumetric thermal expansion coefficient, 1/K(= 1⁄𝑇𝑓 for an ideal gas).

𝐿𝑐 =the characteristic length in meter.

All the fluid properties are evaluated at the film temperature

𝑇𝑠 + 𝑇∞
𝑇𝑓 =
2
Values of the constants C and n depend on the geometry of the surface and the flow regime
which is characterised by the range of 𝑅𝑎𝐿 .

Vertical position
𝐿𝑐 = 𝑙

For laminar flow (104 ≤ 𝑅𝑎𝐿 ≤ 109 ), C=0.59 and n=1/4

For turbulent flow (109 ≤ 𝑅𝑎𝐿 ≤ 1013 ), C=0.1 and n=1/3

Horizontal position
𝐴𝑠
𝐿𝑐 =
𝑃
where 𝐴𝑠 and P are the plate surface area and perimeter, respectively.

7
For upper surface of hot plate:

C=0.54 and n=1/4 (104 ≤ 𝑅𝑎𝐿 ≤ 107 )

C=0.15 and n=1/3 (107 ≤ 𝑅𝑎𝐿 ≤ 1011 )

For lower surface of hot plate:

C=0.27 and n=1/4 (105 ≤ 𝑅𝑎𝐿 ≤ 1010 )

Experiment 3
MEASUREMENT OF NOZZLE FLOW

AIM:
To determine pressure and velocity distribution in a convergent nozzle.

INTRODUCTION:
Nozzle is a device used to convert either pressure energy or enthalpy of the fluid to kinetic
energy. It is used in aerospace vehicles to produce thrust by increasing the momentum of the fluid
passing through the duct. For subsonic flows, a convergent nozzle is used. For supersonic flows, a
convergent-divergent nozzle is used.
According to the continuity equation, velocity increases as the cross sectional area decreases
along the length of the nozzle. The pressure distribution along the length can be explained using the
Bernoulli’s equation.
𝑝 𝑉2
+ + 𝑧 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝜌𝑔 2𝑔
𝑝
=Pressure energy per unit weight of fluid or pressure head.
𝜌𝑔
𝑉2
=Kinetic energy per unit weight or velocity head.
2𝑔
𝑧 =Potential energy per unit weight or potential head.

It is to be noted that it is valid only under the assumption of incompressible and inviscid flow. For
gases, in most of the practical cases, the potential energy term is negligible.

8
APPARATUS:
The setup consists of a blower, an orifice meter, a settling chamber and a convergent nozzle.
The convergent nozzle is provided with ten static pressure taps on the surface along its length to
measure the static pressure distribution. The pressure tapings are connected to a multibank
manometer. Volume flow rate is measured using the orifice meter connected to a differential
manometer. The flow can be controlled with the inlet plate of the blower. The control panel consists
of the electric mains indicator, console switch, blower switch, differential manometer and multibank
manometer.

OPERATION PROCEDURE:
1. Switch on the mains; the red indicator should glow. Then switch on the console and the blower
switch.
2. Then slowly move the inlet plate of the blower and lock it to some position using the wing nut.
3. Note down the differential manometer and the multibank manometer readings.
4. Repeat the experiment for different flow rates.

OBSERVATIONS:

Acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.81 m/s2

Density of water, 𝜌𝑤 =1000 kg/m3
Density of air, 𝜌𝑎 in kg/m3
Room Temperature, Ta =
Diameter of the orifice, d = 25mm

9
Flow coefficient of orifice meter, 𝐾 =0.64
Coefficient of pitot tube, 𝐶𝑣 =0.98
Length of the nozzle = 205 mm
Outer diameter of the nozzle at inlet = 100 mm
Outer diameter of the nozzle at outlet = 50 mm
Nozzle wall thickness = 11 mm

Details of the pressure tappings

n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

xn (mm) 20 40 62 82 101 122 140 162 180 200

Dn (mm) 98 92 88 84 78 74 70 62 58 50
where,
n is location of pressure tappings on the nozzle wall.
xn is axial distance of the nth location from the nozzle inlet.
Dn is outer diameter of the nozzle at the nth location.

TABLE OF READINGS:
Velocity head Static pressure
Air flow Velocity head
inside the inside the
across orifice of jet
chamber chamber
Sl.N (mm of water (mm of water (mm of water
(mm of water
o. column) column) column)
column)

h1 h1 hw3 h1 h1 hw4 h1 h2 hw1 h1 h2 hw2

Reference
Multibank Manometer readings (mm of water) pressure
(mm of water)
h1 h1 h2 h3 h4 h5 h6 h7 h8 h9 h10 ℎ11

hw1,hw2, hw3,hw4 are column height differences in the manometers.

10
CALCULATIONS:
𝜋𝑑2
1. Discharge through the orifice: 𝑄𝑖𝑛 = 𝐾
4
√2𝑔ℎ𝑎1 m3/s

ℎ𝑤1 𝜌𝑤
ℎ𝑎1 = in meters of air
𝜌𝑎
𝑝𝑎
𝜌𝑎 =
𝑅𝑇𝑎

2. Velocity of air atnth location on the nozzle wall, 𝑉𝑛 = 𝑄/𝐴𝑛

where 𝐴𝑛 is the cross sectional area of nozzle at that location.

3. Velocity on the centreline at the nozzle exit, 𝑉𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑡 = 𝐶𝑣 √2𝑔ℎ𝑎2

4. Dynamic pressure inside the chamber 𝑝𝑑 = 𝜌𝑤 𝑔ℎ𝑤3

5. Wall static pressure inside the chamber 𝑝𝑠 = 𝜌𝑤 𝑔ℎ𝑤4

6. Total pressure inside the chamber, 𝑝0 = 𝑝𝑠 + 𝑝𝑑

7. Pressure at 𝑛th location on the nozzle wall, 𝑝𝑛 = 𝜌𝑤 𝑔(ℎ𝑛 − ℎ11 )

RESULTS:

Flow rate Static pressure at different location, n along the nozzle(N/m2)

Sl.
No.
𝑄𝑖𝑛 in
m3/s p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 p9 p10
1
2

Plot taking appropriate scales:

1) pressure vs axial distance and 2) velocity vs axial distance.
Derive the expression for volume flow rate through an orifice.
From the Bernoulli’s equation:
𝑝1 𝑉1 2 𝑝2 𝑉2 2
+ = +
𝜌 2 𝜌 2
For an incompressible flow, mass conservation gives

11
 𝐴2 𝑉2
𝑉1 =
𝐴1
𝑝1 𝐴2 2 𝑉2 2 𝑝2 𝑉2 2
+( ) = +
𝜌 𝐴1 2 𝜌 2

2 𝐴2 2 2(𝑝1 − 𝑝2 )
𝑉2 (1 − ( ) ) =
𝐴1 𝜌

1 2(𝑝1 − 𝑝2 )
𝑉2 = √
𝐴 2 𝜌
√1 − ( 2)
𝐴1

Theoretical or ideal volume flow rate,

𝐴2 2(𝑝1 − 𝑝2 )
𝑄𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙 = 𝐴2 𝑉2 = √
𝐴 2 𝜌
√1 − ( 2)
𝐴1

It is related to the actual flow, in which frictional losses are always present, by the empirical relation
𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙
𝐶𝑑 =
𝑄𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙
where 𝐶𝑑 is the discharge coefficient.
Therefore,
𝐶𝑑 𝐴2 2(𝑝1 − 𝑝2 )
𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 = 𝐴2 𝑉2 = √
𝐴 2 𝜌
√1 − ( 2)
𝐴1
𝐶𝑑 𝐴2
𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 = √2𝑔∆ℎ = 𝐾𝐴2 √2𝑔∆ℎ
𝐴2 2
√1 − ( )
𝐴1

where ∆ℎ is the head difference in manometer and 𝐾 is the flow coefficient of an orifice meter.
U-tube manometer

12
In a differential manometer, the difference in pressure between the unknown pressure 𝑝 and the
atmosphere is determined as a function of the differential height ℎ.
𝜌𝑓 is the density of the fluid transmitting the pressure.
𝜌𝑚 is the density of the manometer fluid.
Pressure balance of the two columns gives
𝑝 + 𝜌𝑓 𝑔ℎ = 𝑝𝑎 + 𝜌𝑚 𝑔ℎ
or 𝑝 − 𝑝𝑎 = 𝑔ℎ(𝜌𝑚 − 𝜌𝑓 )

Experiment 4
FREE JET EXPERIMENT

AIM:
To determine the velocity profile (or decaying velocity) of free jets.

13
INTRODUCTION:
As the jet flows out from the nozzles, it entrains the ambient fluid and starts spreading. Because of
the entrainment of the ambient fluid, the momentum of the jet reduces downstream. At the nozzle
exit, where the jet meets the ambient air, a sharp velocity gradient exists at the interface. In this thin
region the velocity decreases rapidly and forms the shear layer of the jet. The combined effect of the
coherent turbulent motion and entrainment of the ambient fluid causes the shear layer to spread and
smoothen out the sharp velocity gradient as the jet proceeds downstream. The potential core does not
communicate with the surroundings and most of the mixing takes place through the shear layer.
In general, the free jet is formed when a fluid is discharged from a nozzle or orifice into a large
stagnant surrounding. Flow entrainment of the surrounding makes the jet to grow along the
streamwise direction for some distance and finally to dissipate.
The development of the free jet can be divided into four different zones according to the decay of
centreline velocity as shown in figure. In the first zone, called the potential core, the centreline
velocity is equal to the inlet jet velocity where uniform velocity is assumed. The second zone, called
the developed zone, is where the centreline velocity begins to decrease. Beyond these zones is a fully
developed or established zone. The last zone is called the terminal zone in which the centreline
velocity rapidly decreases.

APPARATUS:

The setup basically consists of a blower unit, orifice meter, wall jet arrangement, and flow
measurement. Control panel consists of a blower starter console, Mains ‘ON’ indicator, differential
manometer, multibank manometer & discharge measurement with orifice plate.

14
The blower unit coupled to A.C. motor and discharge can be controlled using the inlet valve plate.
The settling chamber has a honey comb and wire mesh so that a laminar and constant air velocity is
achieved. The nozzle has pressure tapings (10nos.) connected to the multibank manometer.
Velocity head of the jet is measured using a pitot tube mounted on an arrangement for X-Y-Z
coordinate measurement. The pitot tube is connected to a U-tube manometer.

OPERATION PROCEDURE:

1. Switch on the mains;the red indicator should glow. Then switch on the console and the
blower switch.
2. Then slowly move the inlet plate of the blower and lock it to some position using the wing
nut.
3. Then scan the pitot tube vertically across the orifice & note down the readings.
4. Then move the pitot tube to different X positions and repeat the readings.
5. Repeat the experiment for different flow rates.
6. Repeat the procedure for different values of Y axis also.
7. Draw the graph of velocity v/s Y location for different positions along the X-axis.

OBSERVATIONS:

Differential manometer readings, ℎ1 = mm of water column

ℎ2 = mm of water column
Difference in water column of the differential manometer:
ℎ𝑤1 = ℎ1 − ℎ2 =mm of water.
Diameter of the orifice, d=25 mm

15
Atmosphere pressure, pa=1.01325 bar=101325N/m2
Real gas constant,R=287 J/kg-K
Acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.81 m/s2

TABLE OF READINGS:
Sl.No. Distance from jet U-tube manometer reading at different
in mm distance in Y direction

y h1 h2 ℎ𝑤2 = ℎ1 − ℎ2
1 X=0 mm

2 X=20 mm

3 X=40 mm

CALCULATIONS:

𝜋𝑑2
1) Discharge through the orifice: 𝑄𝑖𝑛 = 𝐾
4
√2𝑔ℎ𝑎1 m3/s

ℎ𝑤1 𝜌𝑤
ℎ𝑎1 = in m of air
𝜌𝑎
𝑝𝑎
𝜌𝑎 =
𝑅𝑇𝑎
where,
Density of water, 𝜌𝑤 = 1000 kg/m3
𝜌𝑎 is density of air in kg/m3
Flow coefficient of orifice, 𝐾 =0.64
𝑇𝑎 is room temperature in K

16
2) Velocity of the jet: 𝑈 = √2𝑔ℎ𝑎2

ℎ𝑤2 𝜌𝑤
Here ℎ𝑎2 = in m of air
𝜌𝑎
RESULTS:
1) Discharge through the orifice, Qin = m3/s
2) Velocity of the jet at the centre line, Ucentre = m/s

PLOTS:

17
 Experiment 5
PROPELLER TEST RIG

AIM:
To study the performance of a propeller at different speeds and to measure the thrust force.

INTRODUCTION:
A propeller is like a spinning wing. Rapidly rotating blades develop a lift force having a component
in the direction of the axis of rotation. The rotating blades cause the fluid to accelerate in the axial
direction, so that the fluid that has passed through the propeller moves at a higher speed than that at
which it approached. This increase in momentum of the fluid equals the propeller thrust.
Instead of pushing air behind a plane, the airfoil shaped blades pull an airplane forward just as an
airplane’s wings lift it upward. The amount of thrust created by a propeller depends on how fast and
at what angle its blades cut through the air.
There is some twist in the blade so as to produce a small angle of attack (𝛼) of the blade cross section
with the flow velocity relative to the blade. Specifically, the airfoil at a cross section near the hub or
root of the blade is at a higher pitch angle (𝜃) than the airfoil at a cross section near the tip. This is
because the tangential speed of the blade increases linearly with radius.

Power is defined as the timerate of doing work.

Propulsive power,𝑃 = thrust × flight velocity
propulsive power
Propeller efficiency =
power imparted to the fluid
Power imparted to the fluid is the rate of change in kinetic energy of the fluid as it passes through the
propeller. This is the input power.
𝐹𝑇 𝑉𝑖 2
𝜂= = 𝑉𝑒
𝑉𝑒2 𝑉𝑖2
𝑚̇ ( − ) 1+
2 2 𝑉𝑖

SPECIFICATIONS:
Type of propeller : Aluminium twin blade with constant pitch.
Diameter of the propeller : 780 mm
Motor : Variable speed D.C. motor with thyristor
Controller
Measurements

18
 Thrust : Linear bearing system connected to a load cell
Speed : Proximity sensor connected to digital speed indicator

Air flow : Digital anemometer

Power :D. C. Voltmeter and D.C. Ammeter

CONSTRUCTION:
The basic propeller test rig consists of an aluminium propeller with twin blades and constant
pitch.The propeller is coupled to a D.C. motor mounted on a base plate. The entire unit is mounted
on a linear bearing and is connected to a load cell for thrust measurement.The propeller speed is
sensed by a rpm sensor which is connected to a digital rpm indicator. Power consumed by the
propeller is measured by the D.C. voltmeter and ammeter. The control panel houses the digital force
indicator, the digital speed indicator, the thyristor speed control knob, voltmeter and ammeter.Air
flow velocity upstream and downstream of the propeller is measured using a handy digital
anemometer.

PRECAUTION AND THINGS TO REMEMBER:

1. It is always safe to run the propeller at low speeds.
2. Before starting, ensure all the nuts and bolts are firmly tight.
3. While running the equipment keep safe distance from the propeller.
4. Change the speed of the propeller gradually being careful of the vibrations.

OPERATION:
1. Ensure that the propeller blade is firmly locked in position.
2. Set the speed control knob to zero position.
3. Check for the force indicator to show zero.
4. Slowly increase the speed by operating the speed control knob to some desired rpm value.
5. Note down the rpm and thrust force readings.
6. Record the air flow velocity before and after the propeller.
7. Repeat the procedure for different speeds.

TABLE OF READINGS:

Sl.No. Speed of the Thrust Air Flow Velocity V I

propeller in N in m/s volt amp
in rpm

Vi Ve
1 1000
2 1200

19
 3 1400

CALCULATION:
1) Power input to the propeller Pin in W = 𝑉𝐼𝜂𝑚 where 𝜂𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 75%

2) Theoretical thrust generated by the propeller 𝐹𝑇 in newton = ρAVi(Ve-Vi)

where ρ = density of the air at room temperature
𝜋
A= area covered by the blades= 𝐷 2
4
𝐹𝑇 𝑉𝑖
3) Propeller efficiency 𝜂𝑃 =
𝑃𝑖𝑛

RESULTS:

Sl.No. Speed in rpm Power input to the Actual thrust Theoretical Propeller
propeller in W in N thrust (Fth) efficiency
in N 𝜂𝑃

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 Experiment 6
CASCADE WIND TUNNEL

AIM:
To study the pressure distribution in a cascade at different angles of incidence.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Test Section :150 mm X 450 mm.

Fan/Blower : Axial fan 600 mm diameter driven by D.C. motor(3HP)

Drive : Variable speed D.C. motor with Thyristor controller and

speed 0-1500 rpm.

Settling chamber : 600 mm X 600 mm with a honeycomb screen.

Pitot tubes : For flow measurement with a differential manometer.

Multi bank manometer : For measurement of static pressure distribution.

Cascade details : Turbine cascade

No. of blades = 5
Axial chord = 10 cm
Aspect ratio = 1.5

INTRODUCTION:
The operation of any turbo machine is directly dependent upon changes in the working fluid’s
angular momentum as it crosses the individual rows of blades. A deeper insight of turbo machinery
mechanics can be gained by considering the flow changes and forces exerted within these individual
blade rows.
The cascade consists of a bell-mouth inlet, an axial fan (blower), a diffuser, a settling chamber, a
contraction cone and test section. Air from the blower is supplied to the settling chamber through the
short diffuser. The wire gauge and honeycomb screens make the flow uniform before it is expanded
in the contraction cone. The exit of the contraction cone is rectangular. The working or test section
receives a uniform stream of air from the contraction. A cascade blade profile can be conceived as a
curved camber line upon which a profile thickness distribution is symmetrically superimposed.

21
 Fig: Typical Cascade Aerodynamics – Axial Flow Compressor

MEASUREMENT OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION:

The central blade of the cascade is instrumented. Hypodermic tubes are provided at varioussections
along the suction and pressure sides of the blade surface. The tubes are buried inside the slots which
are cut into the blade surface such that their static holes flush with the local surface. The open ends
of these tubes come out from one of the side walls of the blade. Local static pressures are transmitted
from the blade surface to the multibank manometer through these open ends.

AXIAL COMPRESSOR CASCADE:

A row of compressor blades deflects the incoming flow in such a manner that it’s static
pressure increases across it. The flow therefore decelerates from smaller to larger cross sectional area
of a blade passage. The flow is handled more carefully in a compressor blade cascade as against a
turbine blade cascade. The static pressure rise in a compressor cascade is kept much smaller than the
pressure drops in a turbine cascade.

CASCADE PERFORMANCE:
The basic cascade performance data in low speed flows are obtained from measurements of total
pressure, flow angle and velocity taken across one or more complete pitches of the cascade.

22
DESCRIPTION:
The cascade consists of a blower driven with a belt, by a variable speed D.C.motor.Air supplied from
the bell-mouth inlet flowsthrough an axial fan, 2-D contraction from circular section to rectangular
section, settling chamber, honeycomb anda test section. The blade cascade is fixed at the exit of the
test section with a provision to change the angle of incidence of the cascade. Twopitot tubeswhich
can be vertically traversed are provided before and after the cascade.

OPERATION:
1. Fix the cascade unit in the test section and connect all the pressure probes to the multi bank
manometer.
2. Position the pitot tubes in front and behind the cascade.
3. Keeping the speed control knob at minimum position, start the motor.
4. Then gently operate the speed control knob to increase the speed gradually to the desired
speed.
5. Wait for few minutes to stabilize the flow.
6. Then note down all the manometer readings.
7. Change the incidence angle of cascade and repeat the procedure.
8. At the end of the experiments bring back the speed control knob to minimum and then switch
off the motor.

TABLE OF READINGS:

Sl. RPM Velocity head Pressure head distribution in mm of water

No. Before After ℎ1 ℎ2 ℎ3 ℎ4 ℎ5 ℎ6 ℎ7 ℎ8 ℎ9 ℎ10 ℎ11
cascade cascade
(Ref.)

CALCULATIONS:
𝑝𝑛 = 𝜌𝑔∆ℎ𝑛 where ∆ℎ𝑛 = ℎ𝑛 − ℎ11

RESULTS:

Sl. Static pressure distribution in Pascal

RPM
No. p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 p9 p10
1
2
Notes:

23