Experience in teaching turbomachinery using advanced dedicated software

Whereas turbomachinery design has evolved over the last two decades, updating instruction on the topic to reflect the new prevailing methods and techniques remains a challenge. Part of this challenge stems from the diversity of technologies covered in the courses; part of it ensues from the extensive use of software by industry designers. A review of the literature shows that varying degrees of complexity in software have been adopted for teaching, and that numerical experimentation has in some universities replaced laboratory experimentation. This paper describes the experience and outcomes of teaching turbomachinery to senior engineering students using advanced design software. The cases and results analyzed by the students for axial compressors and turbines are discussed, and the results of the effort are evaluated from the somewhat different perspectives of the students and of the instructor. Whereas the use of the program must be viewed in the context of the entire course (two hardware labs are held along with conventional lectures and homework), the use of design software could be seen to multiply the skills of the students, enabling broad 3-D design considerations and visualization seldom possible otherwise. In addition, an understanding of prevailing stresses is initiated with the software.