Flow visualization studies over S-blades

A fully reversible axial flow pump-turbine is a device that works both as a pump and as a turbine for both directions of flow. Such devices find application in tidal power plants. Double-cambered S-Blade profiles have been found to give better performance for this purpose. An S-Blade profile has convex and concave curvatures on both upper and lower surfaces, making the flow very complicated even at small angles of attack. In the present investigation, flow visualization studies have been carried out to get better insight into the behavior of flow over S-Blade profiles. The medium used is water, and fine aluminium powder was used as the tracer. Studies have been carried out to get the influence of maximum camber and maximum thickness at angles of attack varying from - 8° to + 8°. Copyright © 1998 by Begell House, Inc.