Michigan State University
The Turbomachinery Lab of Michigan State University is engaged in applied research and has developed a strong applied research tie with industry, government and utility. The primary major research emphasis is the centrifugal compressor, gas compression and energy transfer and transformation components.
Vision of the MSU Turbomachinery Lab
- To be recognized as world-class leader in research on turbomachinery and specifically in the centrifugal compressor and gas compression.
Mission Vision of the MSU Turbomachinery Lab
- Conduct research and develop/transfer technology to advance the state of the art in turbomachinery and gas compression systems
- Maintain close and strong partnership with U.S. industry, universities, and other government organizations.
- Maintain a balance between customer focused and long range fundamental research
Research Goals of the MSU Turbomachinery Lab
- Conduct fundamental investigations of detailed flow physics for improved understanding of turbomachinery flow
- Develop innovative concepts for improved design, performance, and operation stability of turbomachinery
- Develop and validate methods for practical computation of fluid flows in single- and multi-stage compression systems
Educational Goals of the MSU Turbomachinery
- To provide under graduate and post-graduate educational programs in experimental and theoretical Turbomachinery, including complete Turbomachinery Design,
- To encourage the practice of research in theoretical and experimental Turbomachinery
- To contribute to the dissemination of knowledge in the field of Turbomachinery.
The centrifugal compressor experimental research facility of the MSU Turbomachinery Lab consists of three centrifugal compressor test facilities for research, referred to as Test Rig # I, Test Rig # 2 and Test Rig #3. Each has 350 HP drive with variable speed, and fully automated data acquisition and monitoring systems. Test Rig #1 is used for testing low specific speed impellers and stages (impellers for the air conditioning and process industries). Test Rig #2, is used for testing high specific speed impellers and stages (impellers for aircraft, power and pipeline compressors). Test Rig # 3 is used for detailed flow field measurement in diffusers and volutes. Test Rigs #1 and #2 can also supply high speed and high pressure air to other research facilities in the lab.
Current Research Areas of the MSU Turbomachinery Lab includes:
1. Centrifugal Compressor
Diffuser: Low Solidity Vaned, Vanless and Conventional Vaned Diffusers
- Impeller: Surge & Stall, Very Low & Very High Flow Coefficients, Mathematical Modeling, Design and Performance Analysis
- Volutes: Mathematical Modeling, Design and Performance Analysis
- Return Channel: Mathematical Modeling, Design and Performance Analysis
- Inlet Ducts: Mathematical Modeling, Design and Performance Analysis
2. Regenerative Flow Pump/Compressor
3. Fuel Compressors for Natural Gas
4. Wave Rotor in Power and Refrigeration Cycles
5. Turbine Exhaust Diffusers
6. Turbo & Super Chargers
7. Fans:
- Cooling fans
- Ducted fans for propulsion
8. Steam
- Blade cooling
- Instability studies and design of steam turbine governor valves
Current Educational Areas of the MSU Turbomachinery Lab includes:
1. ME 442 Turbomachinery
2. ME 440 Aero Propulsion
3. ME 842 Advanced Turbomachinery
4. Industry University short course
5. Industry University seminar
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