Small Turbomachinery Compressor and Fan Aerodynamics

This paper discusses aerodynamic considerations in the design of small turbomachinery axial and centrifugal compressors and fans. Test results are presented to show the effect of scaling on compressor performance. Correlations are presented which relate compressor efficiency to Reynolds Number and clearance. It is shown that clearance effects are more prominent when scaling designs, and Reynolds Number effects are more prominent as density is lowered.