Hydraulic Machines

Fundamental knowledge of Fluid Mechanics.

Lectures: Lectures with conventional exposure of the syllabus by audiovisual means.

Lectures/Problem solving: a set of typical problems is solved. An additional set of problems is also provided to the students in order to support the unaccompanied study hours. 

Video, audio and photographic recordings are not permitted during classes.

– Provide a wide perspective of the various types of hydraulic machines (pumps, fans and turbines).
– Learn the theoretical fundamentals necessary to characterize the studied machines in order to describe their operating principles;
– Provide knowledge to correctly define the guiding parameters of selection;
– Identify the main domains and fields of application of the different types of pumps, fans and turbines.

1. Introduction: Definition and classification of Turbomachines (TM). 2. Dimensional Analysis: Theory and types of similitude. Buckingham Pi Theorem. Dimensionless coefficients. 3. Global characteristics: Efficiency of pumps and turbines. Specific velocity. Standard machines. Geometry definition. Cordier diagram. Characteristic curves of the TM and of the system. Operating point of the system. Parable of the equivalent points. 4. Cavitation: Cavitation damage in pumps and turbines. Net positive suction head (NPSH). Dimensionless coefficients. Typical values of the specific velocity. Effects and ways to avoid cavitation. 5. Hydraulic turbines: Domains of applications of Pelton, Francis and Kaplan turbines. Main components. Geometric and effective head. Theoretical, hydraulic and effective power. Action (impulse) and reaction turbines. Degree of reaction. 6. Pumps: Centrifugal pumps. Manometric and effective head rise. Hydraulic, effective and mechanical (shaft) power. Types of pumps.

The student has to perform a written exam (75%) - in a formal evaluation period – and a research work (25%), which has to be presented orally in the second part of the theoretical lectures. Each written test has two components, theoretical and practical, with quotations of five and ten points, respectively. The research work is selected from the different topics proposed and their presentation and discussion has a quotation of five points. Final approval depends on a global mark (written exam + research work) of at least 9.5 values and a positive classification in the exam test (7,5 values), which will always have a quote of 15 values. The classification obtained in the work is only considered when the student participates in the presentation and discussion of the research work and when he obtains a classification equal to or greater than 7.5 in the written test. Moreover, to obtain a classification in the research work it is necessary that:

a) The student is enrolled in one of the available groups until the set deadline;

b) The name of the student is registered in the research work presented;

c) The student actively participates in the presentation of the research work.

Research Work Deadlines:

* Deadline for the formation of the working groups - Tuesday, 4 week of lectures

* Deadline for submission of the Research Works - Friday, 8 week of lectures

* Start of presentations and discussions - Tuesday, 9 week of lectures

Exams carried out outside the formal assessment periods (Normal, Appeal and Special periods) may take the form of an oral exam.

The assessment methodology covers all students enrolled in the Curricular Unit, regardless of their status.

 In the theoretical part of the exam, it is not permitted to consult any elements. In the theoretical-practical part, consultation of tables, diagrams and the technical form that will be placed in the Curricular Unit "InforEstudante" platform is authorized (it is not permitted to include additional notes in these consultation elements, which must faithfully respect the original versions); only scientific calculating machines can be used.

According to point 11 of Article 31 of the Academic Regulation for the 1st Cycle of Studies at IPC, “the possession of items that could allow or facilitate the commission of fraud is not permitted during academic tests or other assessment activities, including mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches, tablets, written texts, books, notes, or any other equivalent items, as well as any other communication, computing, or storage devices. Additionally, according to point 1 of Article 31-A of the aforementioned Regulation, “The practice of fraudulent acts, detected in flagrante delicto or during the correction process, implies the annulment of the test, without prejudice to subsequent disciplinary and criminal proceedings.” In case of academic fraud, Article 31-A of the Academic Regulations for the 1st Cycle of Studies at IPC applies.

NAO