Design models of multi-stage, axial-flow turbine and compressor are developed for high temperature nuclear reactor power plants with Closed Brayton Cycle for energy conversion. The models are based on a mean-line through-flow analysis for free-vortex flow, account for the profile, secondary, end wall, trailing edge and tip clearance losses in the cascades, and calculate the geometrical parameters of the blade cascades. The effects of the mean-stage work coefficient, flow coefficient and stage reaction on the design and performance of helium turbine and compressor are investigated. The results compare favorably with those reported for 6 stages helium turbine and 20 stages helium compressor. Also presented and discussed are the results of parametric analyses of a 530-MW helium turbine, and a 251-MW helium compressor. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.