Yanzhao Yang1, Kai Yang2, Junwei Zhang3, Fengsuo Jiang1, Sheng Xu1, Lei Chen4, Jun Bai5, Luyi Lu5, Hua Ji5, Zhihao Jing5, Senhao Wang1, Jingjing Zheng1, Haifeng Zhai1,*
FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.22, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2026.075227
- 06 February 2026
Abstract The low-pressure and low-density conditions encountered at high altitudes significantly reduce the operating Reynolds number of micro radial-flow turbines, frequently bringing it below the self-similarity critical threshold of 3.5 × 104. This departure undermines the applicability of conventional similarity-based design approaches. In this study, micro radial-flow turbines with rotor diameters below 50 mm are investigated through a combined approach integrating high-fidelity numerical simulations with experimental validation, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms by which low Reynolds numbers influence aerodynamic and thermodynamic performance. The results demonstrate that decreasing Reynolds number leads to boundary-layer thickening on blade surfaces, enhanced More >