INTRODUCTION TO TURBOMACHINERY

A turbomachine is a device in which energy transfer occurs between a flowing fluid and a rotating element due to dynamic action, and results in a change in pressure and momentum of the fluid. Mechanical energy transfer occurs inside or outside of the turbomachine, usually in a steady-flow process. Turbomachines include all those machines that produce power, such as turbines, as well as those types that produce a head or pressure, such as centrifugal pumps and compressors. The turbomachine extracts energy from or imparts energy to a continuously moving stream of fluid. However in a positive displacement machine, it is intermittent. The turbomachine as described above covers a wide range of machines, such as gas turbines, steam turbines, centrifugal pumps, centrifugal and axial flow compressors, windmills, water wheels, and hydraulic turbines.