A new method for centrifugal and mixed-type compressors flow paths design based on a unique integrated conceptual design environment is presented in this article. At the heart of this new method is the translation of proven, integrated design environments that have been successfully used for axial turbomachinery for many years.

This integrated environment is a seamless and swift processing scheme that incorporates stages aerodynamic analysis and preliminary design/sizing based on the onedimensional method interactive spatial blade profiling, export of blade geometry to CAD and CFD tools, 3D stress and vibration analysis, and finally, flow modeling.

The design process is demonstrated for a centrifugal compressor design utilizing AxSTREAM software.

Turbomachinery flow path creation using an integrated conceptual design environment (IE) allows the designer to shorten the design development process significantly, thereby decreasing engineering costs and improving productivity. It gives an opportunity to review a large number of variants and design parameters to realize optimum results. [1-4].

This article is devoted to describing new a approach for developing turbomachinery design systems, IE components that work for various turbomachinery design platforms, and new subsystem elements for radial turbomachinery conceptual design.

Initially, IE was developed for axial turbines (mainly steam). Later, it was expanded for gas turbines (especially blade cooling calculations) and axial compressors via plug-in modules. The new challenge designers face today is developing mixed flow machinery. These new design system must be flexible and have the capabilities to develop axial, radial and mixed flow machinery at the same IE. As a result of our research, two main requirements were specified for the system: the majority of modules must be compatible with every type of turbomachinery, and specific modules must be able to run simultaneously (axial and radial turbine, axial and radial compressor). It turned out that invariant modules (project data access, graphical display of information, multi-choice calculation and optimization, import/export, etc. possibilities) can work for any platform. Also, we determined that conceptual design modules for centrifugal and mixed flow machines would fit extremely well within the IE structure prototype that worked for axial machinery. Concurrently this IE approach and integration can be extended to blade (impeller) 3D profiling, stress analysis, and 3D Flow analysis.

In the first section of this article, the architecture of a new integrated system for turbomachinery conceptual design is described. Then, the preliminary design procedures of the radial turbomachinery stages are set forth, followed by 1D calculations on design and on offdesign mode. The next part presents 3D blade design