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At least 217 records · Page 12

Compressor Performance Enhanced by Active Flow Control Over Stator Vanes

The application of active flow control technology to enhance turbomachinery system performance is being investigated at the NASA Glenn Research Center through experimental studies. Active flow control involves the use of sensors and actuators embedded within engine components to dynamically alter the internal flow path during off nominal operation in order to optimize engine performance and maintain stable operation. Modern compressors are already highly optimized components that must be designed to accommodate a broad range of operating conditions in a safe and efficient manner. Since overall engine performance is driven by compressor performance, advances in compressor technology that reduce weight and parts count, reduce fuel consumption, and lower maintenance costs will have a significant impact on the cost of aircraft ownership. Active flow control holds the promise of delivering such technology advances.

Culley, Dennis E.↗

Experimental Investigation of Rotating Stall in a Research Multistage Axial Compressor

A collection of experimental data acquired in the NASA low-speed multistage axial compressor while operated in rotating stall is presented in this paper. The compressor was instrumented with high-response wall pressure modules and a static pressure disc probe for in-flow measurement, and a split-fiber probe for simultaneous measurements of velocity magnitude and flow direction. The data acquired to-date have indicated that a single fully developed stall cell rotates about the flow annulus at 50.6% of the rotor speed. The stall phenomenon is substantially periodic at a fixed frequency of 8.29 Hz. It was determined that the rotating stall cell extends throughout the entire compressor, primarily in the axial direction. Spanwise distributions of the instantaneous absolute flow angle, axial and tangential velocity components, and static pressure acquired behind the first rotor are presented in the form of contour plots to visualize different patterns in the outer (midspan to casing) and inner (hub to mid-span) flow annuli during rotating stall. In most of the cases observed, the rotating stall started with a single cell. On occasion, rotating stall started with two emerging stall cells. The root cause of the variable stall cell count is unknown, but is not attributed to operating procedures.

Lepicovsky, Jan↗

Oscillating-Linear-Drive Vacuum Compressor for CO2

A vacuum compressor has been designed to compress CO2 from approximately equal to 1 psia (approximately equal to 6.9 kPa absolute pressure) to approximately equal to 75 psia (approximately equal to 0.52 MPa), to be insensitive to moisture, to have a long operational life, and to be lightweight, compact, and efficient. The compressor consists mainly of (1) a compression head that includes hydraulic diaphragms, a gas-compression diaphragm, and check valves; and (2) oscillating linear drive that includes a linear motor and a drive spring, through which compression force is applied to the hydraulic diaphragms. The motor is driven at the resonance vibrational frequency of the motor/spring/compression-head system, the compression head acting as a damper that takes energy out of the oscillation. The net effect of the oscillation is to cause cyclic expansion and contraction of the gas-compression diaphragm, and, hence, of the volume bounded by this diaphragm. One-way check valves admit gas into this volume from the low-pressure side during expansion and allow the gas to flow out to the high-pressure side during contraction. Fatigue data and the results of diaphragm stress calculations have been interpreted as signifying that the compressor can be expected to have an operational life of greater than 30 years with a confidence level of 99.9 percent.

Izenson, Michael G.↗

Turbine Engine with Differential Gear Driven Fan and Compressor

A gas turbine engine provides a differential gear system coupling the turbine to the bypass fan and the compressor. In this manner, the power/speed split between the bypass fan and the compressor can be optimized under all conditions. In the example shown, the turbine drives a sun gear, which drives a planet carrier and a ring gear in a differential manner. One of the planet carrier and the ring gear is coupled to the bypass fan, while the other is coupled to the compressor.

Suciu, Gabriel L.↗

:investigation of a 24-inch Shock-in-rotor Type Supersonic Compressor Designed for Simple Radial Equilibrium Behind Normal Shock

A 24-inch-diameter shock-in-rotor supersonic compressor rotor designed to obtain simple radial equilibrium behind the normal shock obtained a maximum total-pressure ratio of 2.02 at an adiabatic efficiency of 0.74 and a weight flow of 61.5 pounds per second at design speed. Although this design method considerably reduced the radial forces, there was no apparent reduction in the radial forces, there was no apparent reduction in the radial redistribution of mass flow over the radial redistribution obtained in the previous investigation. This investigation indicates that the shock boundary-layer interaction pattern and associated effects have a very large effect on the radial redistribution of mass flow through the shock-in-rotor supersonic-compressor rotor.

FLOW, SUPERSONIC↗

Effect of Mach number on over-all performance of single-stage axial-flow compressor designed for high pressure ratio

A complete stage of an axial-flow compressor designed to produce a high pressure ratio was investigated at speeds from 110 to 130 percent of design speed (836 ft/sec). The data obtained and the results of a previous investigation of the same compressor at speeds from 50 to 100 percent of design speed were used to determine the effect of Mach number on over-all performance. The peak total-pressure ratio increased from 1.095 to 1.515 and the peak adiabatic efficiency decreased from 0.93 to 0.89 as the relative inlet Mach number increased from 0.34 to 0.77. At a relative inlet Mach number of 0.91, a total-pressure ratio of 1.635 was obtained at an adiabatic efficiency of 0.74.

COMPRESSORS - AXIAL FLOW↗

Discussion of boundary-layer characteristics near the casing of an axial-flow compressor

Boundary-layer velocity profiles on the casing of an axial-flow compressor behind the guide vanes and rotor were measured and resolved into two components: along the streamline of the flow and perpendicular to it. Boundary-layer thickness and the deflection of the boundary layer at the wall were the generalizing parameters. By use of these results and the momentum-integral equations, the characteristics of boundary on the walls of axial-flow compressor are qualitatively discussed. Important parameters concerning secondary flow in the boundary layer appear to be turning of the flow and the product of boundary-layer thickness and streamline curvature outside the boundary layer. Two types of separation are shown to be possible in three dimensional boundary layer.

BOUNDARY LAYER CHARACTERISTICS - INTERNAL AERODYNA↗

User’s Guide for the NASA High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor Data Archive

The datasets contained in this archive are associated with the High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor (HECC) in the Small Engine Components Compressor Test Facility, colloquially referred to as CE-18, at NASA Glenn Research Center. The archive is accessible at https://storage.googleapis.com/hecc-data/NASA-HECC-Data-Archive.zip. The documentation contained herein provides context for the data hosted on data.nasa.gov. The datasets and accompanying content in this document will be updated periodically as additional data is procured analyzed. The revision of the document is provided by date in the footer, and the revision updates are provided in the Revisions section. Please contact Trey Harrison (email: herbert.harrison@nasa.gov) for inquiries related to the dataset and documentation or to be added to an email list to be notified of updates and additions to the archive.

radial turbomachinery↗

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the NASA High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor Vaned Stage Geometry and Aerodynamic Performance

Since its inception in the early 2010s, the NASA High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor (HECC) has been enigmatic for the propulsion research community: experimental data and numerical simulations of the stage have generally not aligned in their quantifications of performance metrics. Typically, the fault for these disagreements is assigned to the numerical simulations as the simulations are models, and models are inherently incomplete representations of the experiment. This “incompleteness” may manifest in assumptions regarding roughness or heat transfer, simplifications of the flow path (i.e., neglecting bleed flows), or the oft-scapegoated turbulence model. In the case of HECC, recent work showed unexpected discrepancies between the intended impeller geometry defined in the design report (termed Design-Intent) and the manufactured impeller used in the experimental campaigns (termed As-Manufactured). That work used numerical simulations to establish that the geometric differences between the Design-Intent and As-Manufactured impellers were significant enough to result in drastically different performance predictions for the HECC vaneless diffuser configuration. The Design-Intent impeller simulations over predicted the performance relative to the experiment, whereas the As-Manufactured simulations better represented the experimental data, both in terms of one-dimensional performance metrics and spanwise flow profiles. This effort expands on that work by examining in detail the geometry and aerodynamic performance of the HECC vaned diffuser configuration. Further differences between the Design-Intent and As-Manufactured geometries have been discovered in the vaned diffuser and exit guide vanes, and these differences are documented herein. The summations of the geometric differences for all of the components were used to create two numerical models of HECC vaned diffuser configuration: the Design-Intent simulations which are generated from the original geometry definitions given in the design report and the As-Manufactured simulations which are the best available representation of the manufactured compressor hardware used in the experimental test campaigns. In congruence with the earlier vaneless diffuser work, the numerical predictions of the Design-Intent choked mass flow rate, total pressure ratio, and efficiency were notably greater than that of the As-Manufactured simulations. To increase confidence in the experimental dataset, measurements from a recent test campaign conducted in 2024 are used to validate the original experimental data acquired from 2012 to 2014 with good repeatability overall, especially considering the passage of time and differences in the data acquisition systems between the test campaigns. Both numerical simulations were then extensively evaluated against the experimental data. The As-Manufactured simulations provided better estimates of the stage performance than the Design-Intent cases in terms of most performance metrics. Nonetheless, more detailed results still show opportunities for improvement. Despite a more accurate representation of the physical hardware, characterization of the impeller work input remains a challenge even for rigorously developed numerical models.

vaned diffuser↗

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the NASA High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor Vaned Stage Geometry and Aerodynamic Performance

Since its inception in the early 2010s, the NASA High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor (HECC) has been enigmatic for the propulsion research community: experimental data and numerical simulations of the stage have generally not aligned in their quantifications of performance metrics. Typically, the fault for these disagreements is assigned to the numerical simulations as the simulations are models, and models are inherently incomplete representations of the experiment. This “incompleteness” may manifest in assumptions regarding roughness or heat transfer, simplifications of the flow path (i.e., neglecting bleed flows), or the oft-scapegoated turbulence model. In the case of HECC, recent work showed unexpected discrepancies between the intended impeller geometry defined in the design report (termed Design-Intent) and the manufactured impeller used in the experimental campaigns (termed As-Manufactured). That work used numerical simulations to establish that the geometric differences between the Design-Intent and As-Manufactured impellers were significant enough to result in drastically different performance predictions for the HECC vaneless diffuser configuration. The Design-Intent impeller simulations over predicted the performance relative to the experiment, whereas the As-Manufactured simulations better represented the experimental data, both in terms of one-dimensional performance metrics and spanwise flow profiles. This effort expands on that work by examining in detail the geometry and aerodynamic performance of the HECC vaned diffuser configuration. Further differences between the Design-Intent and As-Manufactured geometries have been discovered in the vaned diffuser and exit guide vanes, and these differences are documented herein. The summations of the geometric differences for all of the components were used to create two numerical models of HECC vaned diffuser configuration: the Design-Intent simulations which are generated from the original geometry definitions given in the design report and the As-Manufactured simulations which are the best available representation of the manufactured compressor hardware used in the experimental test campaigns. In congruence with the earlier vaneless diffuser work, the numerical predictions of the Design-Intent choked mass flow rate, total pressure ratio, and efficiency were notably greater than that of the As-Manufactured simulations. To increase confidence in the experimental dataset, measurements from a recent test campaign conducted in 2024 are used to validate the original experimental data acquired from 2012 to 2014 with good repeatability overall, especially considering the passage of time and differences in the data acquisition systems between the test campaigns. Both numerical simulations were then extensively evaluated against the experimental data. The As-Manufactured simulations provided better estimates of the stage performance than the Design-Intent cases in terms of most performance metrics. Nonetheless, more detailed results still show opportunities for improvement. Despite a more accurate representation of the physical hardware, characterization of the impeller work input remains a challenge even for rigorously developed numerical models.

centrifugal compressor↗

Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) Phase 1 3-Stage Compressor Rig Final Report - Unlimited Rights

The HyTEC Phase 1 3-Stage Compressor Rig project was conducted to mature and validate front-stage aerodynamic technologies in support of HyTEC Phase 2 and GEA’s Compact Core compressor. Building on the prior ERA Phase 2 Baseline Rig, GEA and NASA collaborated on the design and testing of the HyTEC rig, incorporating advanced technologies such as increased radius ratio, higher aerodynamic loading, and advanced casing treatment. The HyTEC test campaign leveraged similar design and instrumentation philosophy, test execution approach, and the same facility (NASA W-7) to enable clear comparison with the legacy ERA rig results. The HyTEC rig was designed to deliver benefits in efficiency, tip loading, operability, and aeromechanics, with success measured against defined TPMs that were anchored to the ERA baseline rig data.

Axial Compressors↗

Two-stage coaxial gas compressor

Compressor raises pressure of gases from low ambient supply during space experiments by a system of low weight, size, and power input. Dc rotary-torque motor and ball-screw drive shaft activate first and second stage of compressor, utilizing inertia forces to operate check valves.

Wang, W. S.↗

Comparison of the effect of two damper sizes on the performance of a low-solidity axial-flow transonic compressor rotor

The experimental performance of a 20-inch-diameter axial-flow transonic compressor rotor with small dampers is presented. The compressor rotor was tested earlier with large dampers which were twice in size, and comparisons of overall performance and radial distributions of selected flow and performance parameters are made. The rotor with small dampers experienced lower losses in the damper region which resulted in locally higher values of temperature rise efficiency and total pressure ratio. However, there was no appreciable effect on overall efficiency and pressure ratio. A greater stall margin was measured for the rotor with small dampers at design speed, but at 70 and 90 percent of design speed the rotor with large dampers had somewhat greater flow range.

Lewis, G. W., Jr.↗

Time series analysis of compressor noise.

Description of a method to determine compressor directivity at discrete frequencies by separation of the tone power from the noise background. The technique developed effected the separation by Fourier analysis of the sound pressure autocorrelation at large lags. This produced experimental directivity results which compared reasonably well with the theoretical patterns except near the compressor axis.

Hardin, J. C.↗

Program for calculating total-efficiency of specific-speed characteristics of centrifugal compressors

Program uses one-dimensional mean streamline analysis conducted at fixed stagnation conditions. Seven specific losses are calculated for each set of compressors geometric variables and inlet velocity diagram characteristics studied. Categories used as input information are compressor geometry, thermodynamic properties of working fluid, velocity diagram characteristics, and iteration limits.

Galvas, M. R.↗

Evaluation of circumferential airflow uniformity entering combustors from compressors. Volume 2: Data supplement

A study of the airflow uniformity leaving compressors and entering combustors was made using compressors from two advanced engines, the J58 and F100/F401. The data used in the analysis of each case is presented in tabular form and computer-generated profile plots. A plot of the square root of the dynamic pressure ratio, which is similar to airflow deviation, is also presented.

Shadowen, J. H.↗

Performance of a low-pressure-ratio centrifugal compressor with four diffuser designs

A low-pressure-ratio centrifugal compressor was tested with four different diffuser configurations. One diffuser had airfoil vanes. Two were pipe diffusers. One pipe diffuser had 7.5 deg cone diffusing passages. The other had trumpet-shaped passages designed for linear static-pressure rise from throat to exit. The fourth configuration had flat vanes with elliptical leading edges similar to those of pipe diffusers. The side walls were contoured to produce a linear pressure rise. Peak compressor efficiencies were 0.82 with the airfoil vane and conical pipe diffusers, 0.80 with the trumpet, and 0.74 with the flat-vane design. Surge margin and useful range were greater for the airfoil-vane diffuser than for the other three.

Klassen, H. A.↗