A novel modular test rig for experimental investigation of mixing and separation processes in turbomachines

Authors

Andreas Schramm - Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering 
David Engelmann - Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Francesca di Mare - Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering 

Abstract

Admission and extraction of fluid proportions are common in turbomachinery applications as for instance bypassing due to overload or part load operation. Unfortunately, most investigations concerning cross flow only cover circular cross sections and thus don’t resemble turbomachinery applications. Further, cross flow correlations from the literature are largely outdated or in case of non-ideal fluids not existing. New developed correlation and balancing approaches are exclusively of theoretical nature and need experimental validation. Therefore, a novel test rig is being built up at the Ruhr University Bochum. The modular concept features a rectangular cross section, enables different admission and extraction slot designs as well as the injection of gas fractions through bypasses. The present publication focusses on design, construction and build-up of the test rig with a detailed description of specifications, modularity approach and scheduled experimental setup to meet the requirements for fundamental studies concerning the mixing and separation process of compressible fluids.