A definitive guide to mastering flow and heat transfer in rotating disc systems for aerospace and turbomachinery applications

Rotating Disc Cavity Flow and Heat Transfer by John W. Chew, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Surrey and internationally recognized authority on turbomachinery internal air systems, consolidates over four decades of expertise in fluid mechanics and heat transfer in rotating environments. The book addresses one of the most complex challenges in aerospace and power generation: predicting and controlling flow and thermal behavior inside rotating disc cavities. Prof. Chew distills cutting-edge analytical, computational, and experimental knowledge into practical methods engineers and researchers can apply directly to design and analysis.

This resource is organized into two parts. The first details the fundamental theory, analytical solutions, and computational methods – ranging from boundary layer models to advanced CFD approaches – across laminar, transitional, and turbulent regimes. The second presents a systematic classification of rotating cavity flows in turbomachinery, including rotor-stator systems, corotating discs, and rim sealing applications, supported by many examples and extensive comparisons with experimental data. Together, they provide a unique, authoritative reference point for both academic research and industrial practice.

Key features include:

• Comprehensive treatment of analytical and computational models with clear explanations of their assumptions, limits, and applications
• Formulae, correlations, and graphs designed for direct use in engineering design and performance evaluation
• Critical comparisons of theoretical and computational predictions against experimental results, highlighting best practices for model validation
• Structured coverage of practical cases in aeroengines, power generation gas turbines, and industrial compressors
• Modular chapter design enabling selective reading tailored to research or applied engineering needs

Rotating Disc Cavity Flow and Heat Transfer is essential for practicing engineers, researchers, and designers engaged in turbomachinery internal air systems, as well as graduate students specializing in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, or aerospace propulsion. Readers will gain both a consolidated knowledge base and actionable engineering guidance, making it a critical addition to professional and academic libraries.

John W. Chew, Ph.D., CEng., FRAeS, FASME is Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Surrey, UK. and was previously a Corporate Specialist in Aeroelasticity and Heat Transfer at Rolls-Royce plc, Derby, UK. An internationally recognized leader in turbomachinery internal air systems, he has pioneered research on computational and mathematical modeling of rotating flows for over 40 years. As an academic he has advised industry on bespoke design methods, published extensively, regularly served as organizer at the annual ASME TURBO EXPO, and delivered invited lectures around the world. He is also Editor of the Proceedings of the IMechE Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science.