von Karman Institute Lecture Series
Radial Compressor Design and Optimization 2026
09-13 February 2026
Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium (near Brussels)
About
This short course is the regular course on radial compressors thought at VKI to the turbomachinery students specializing in compressors in the context of the “Research Master in Fluid Dynamics”. It provides an overview of the present knowledge and flow models and intends to provide a good background for the people interested in the aerodynamic design of radial compressors.
This 5 day course is now made available to a limited number of people from outside VKI.
Lectures and exercises are given by Prof. Tom Verstraete from the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics.
LS Address
Programme
Monday 9 February 2026
08:30 - 09:00: Registration
09:00-10:30 Introduction and overall performance
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Flow equations operating conditions
10:45-12:15 Flow equations operating conditions
12:15-13:45 Break
13:45-15:15 IGV and compressor inlet
15:15-15:45 Break
15:45-17:15 Impeller flow
Tuesday 10 February 2026
09:00-10:30 Impeller performance prediction
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Vaneless diffusers
12:15-13:45 Break
13:45-15:15 Vaned diffusers
15:15-15:45 Break
15:45-17:15 Volutes
Wednesday 11 February 2026
09:00-10:30 Volutes
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Impeller response
12:15-13:45 Break
13:45-15:15 Introduction to optimization methods part I
15:15-15:45 Break
15:45-17:15 Introduction to optimization methods part II
Thursday 12 February 2026
09:00-10:30 Impeller response and rotating stall
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Surge and stall
12:15-13:45 Break
13:45-15:15 Gradient free optimization of radial compressors
15:15-15:45 Break
15:45-17:15 Gradient based optimization of radial compressors
Friday 13 February 2026
09:00-10:30 Surge and stall
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Stability and range
12:15-13:45 Break
13:45-15:15 Stability and range
15:15 End of Lecture Series
Fee and Registration
Deadline for on-site registration: 26 January 2026
Deadline for online registration: 2 February 2026