Researches of Similitude Theory for Axial Flow Helium Compressor

In designing of a helium axial compressor from its homologous air compressor, the similarities between them have to be investigated. Such as how to establish the similarity criterion, how to prescribe the experimental air compressor’s parameters by the similitude laws, how to get the performance data of helium compressor from the air compressor test data etc, are important for the accurate design. The first stage of a high pressure helium compressor is taken as experimental model, with air as the working fluids in the experiments. The differences of physical parameters of helium and air, like density, viscosity, adiabatic exponent have been considered. The similitude laws used in the experiment have been established, and the reasons of deviation and correcting methods are analyzed. These results are useful references for the aerodynamic design of helium compressor.Copyright © 2008 by ASME