Tesla turbines operate on the principle of viscous flow, where working fluid moves across concentric disks. The adhesive forces between disk surfaces and the fluid induces boundary layer effects, generating torque. This angular momentum then propels the central rotor, converting the fluid energy to mechanical or electrical power. This work presents a comprehensive numerical and experimental analysis of the Tesla-type turbine where design parameters as ‘disk spacing’, ‘aspect ratio’, ‘disk and nozzle profiles’, and the ‘type of working fluid’ impinging the rotor were analysed and results presented. The numerical analysis investigated turbine rotors with 2 – 10 disks and relative spacing of 0.1mm -1mm using a one-to-many single rectangular nozzle design, while the experimental setup is a 3-disks model having 1mm disk-to-disk gap with aspect ratio of 140mm. Very high efficiency figures >75% was achieved for this study using a mechanical braking system. Results showed that the performance efficiency of the turbine can be maximised when it is allowed to operate in a considerably low-pressure limits of 2bar -3bar or run at an average speed circa 78% of its marked speed. Based on the results, it was concluded that the Tesla turbine is a viable technology for generating power. The findings of this study provide a benchmark for validating analytical and numerical models used to simulate turbine performance. Furthermore, the findings highlight the necessity for additional research to minimise losses that may result from the effect of ‘tip-speed-ratio’, disk-to-stator clearance, and exit cross-sectional area, improving the aerodynamic performance efficiency of the turbine.
| Date of Award | 6 Mar 2026 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Faisal Asfand (Main Supervisor) |
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