Low Reynolds Number Experiments in an Axial Flow Turbomachine

The performance of a single stage, axial flow turbomachine was studied experimentally at very low Reynolds numbers. The investigation had two primary objectives: first, a quantitative evaluation of overall performance as a function of Reynolds number, and second, a study of the flow within the blade rows. The investigation established that sudden or critical changes in performance do not occur in the type of machine tested between a Reynolds number (based on rotor tip speed and rotor chord) of 150,000 and 20,000. The deterioration of performance is explained in terms of viscous flow phenomena within the blade rows