Turbomachinery
Module code: MEU44B08 (past papers filed as MEU44B10) · Semester: Semester 2
Resources
How it's assessed
Exam: 80% of the module. TCD doesn't list past papers for it.
Compressible flow and high-speed turbomachinery for power and propulsion, bringing together fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
| Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Class test | 20% |
| Written exam | 80% |
- The pass mark is 40% for MEU44B08 and 50% for the MAI version, MEP55B08.
Summarised from the TCD module descriptor, checked 2026-11-09. Details can change from year to year, so check this year's descriptor and Blackboard.
From students who've done it
Questions by Year
Topics
- Compressible flow: speed of sound, Mach number, stagnation and static conditions, isentropic 1D flow LO1
- Converging and converging-diverging nozzles; normal shocks; pitot tubes LO2–3
- Turbomachinery basics: Euler's equation, velocity triangles, flow and loading coefficients LO5, LO8
- Centrifugal compressors: performance maps, impeller and diffuser design, slip factor LO4, LO6–7
- Radial turbines: performance maps, rotor and nozzle design, velocity ratio LO4–5, LO7
- Losses and empirical correlations LO9–10
Learning outcomes (exam covers LO1–10)
- Analyse compressible flow: stagnation, static and critical properties, Mach number
- Calculate flow through nozzles and normal shocks
- Get flow velocity from a pitot tube in subsonic and supersonic flow
- Draw and use Mollier diagrams for turbomachines and cascades
- Use velocity triangles and 1D analysis for geometry, efficiency and power
- Use slip factor to find compressor impeller work
- Balance aerodynamic and mechanical design considerations
- Calculate flow and blade angles
- Estimate losses in stator and rotor blade rows
- Use empirical loss correlations to judge feasibility and predict efficiency