Computer-Aided Analysis of the Pelton Wheel

Abstract

This paper describes PELTON, a microcomputer-based, interactive, and menu-driven software package for use as an educational tool by mechanical and civil engineering students in studying the operation of the Pelton wheel. The program is written in the Pascal computer language and runs on IBM PC, or compatible, computers. The package can handle problems related to impulse turbines by solving for unknown variables through a complete set of equations covering the turbine installation. Model-prototype problems can be tackled through similarity laws. This facility is included to help analysing and manipulating experimental data. Furthermore, the graphical utilities of PELTON allow the user to display diagrammatic sketches of the turbine, to employ some recommended charts, and to draw velocity triangles at several locations. The most important feature of the program, however, is its ability to plot the variation of any variable versus any other one. Through this option, the package guides the student in understanding the effects of varying design parameters on the overall performance of the machine. Finally, a comprehensive example problem is provided to show how user-friendly and encouraging-to-use PELTON is, and to demonstrate the capabilities of the package as an instructional tool.