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At least 379 records · Page 21

Axial and Centrifugal Compressor Mean Line Flow Analysis Method

This paper describes a method to estimate key aerodynamic parameters of single and multistage axial and centrifugal compressors. This mean-line compressor code COMDES provides the capability of sizing single and multistage compressors quickly during the conceptual design process. Based on the compressible fluid flow equations and the Euler equation, the code can estimate rotor inlet and exit blade angles when run in the design mode. The design point rotor efficiency and stator losses are inputs to the code, and are modeled at off design. When run in the off-design analysis mode, it can be used to generate performance maps based on simple models for losses due to rotor incidence and inlet guide vane reset angle. The code can provide an improved understanding of basic aerodynamic parameters such as diffusion factor, loading levels and incidence, when matching multistage compressor blade rows at design and at part-speed operation. Rotor loading levels and relative velocity ratio are correlated to the onset of compressor surge. NASA Stage 37 and the three-stage NASA 74-A axial compressors were analyzed and the results compared to test data. The code has been used to generate the performance map for the NASA 76-B three-stage axial compressor featuring variable geometry. The compressor stages were aerodynamically matched at off-design speeds by adjusting the variable inlet guide vane and variable stator geometry angles to control the rotor diffusion factor and incidence angles.

Veres, Joseph P.↗

Turbofan Volume Dynamics Model for Investigations of Aero-Propulso-Servo-Elastic Effects in a Supersonic Commercial Transport

A turbofan simulation has been developed for use in aero-propulso-servo-elastic coupling studies, on supersonic vehicles. A one-dimensional lumped volume approach is used whereby each component (fan, high-pressure compressor, combustor, etc.) is represented as a single volume using characteristic performance maps and conservation equations for continuity, momentum and energy. The simulation is developed in the MATLAB/SIMULINK (The MathWorks, Inc.) environment in order to facilitate controls development, and ease of integration with a future aero-servo-elastic vehicle model being developed at NASA Langley. The complete simulation demonstrated steady state results that closely match a proposed engine suitable for a supersonic business jet at the cruise condition. Preliminary investigation of the transient simulation revealed expected trends for fuel flow disturbances as well as upstream pressure disturbances. A framework for system identification enables development of linear models for controller design. Utilizing this framework, a transfer function modeling an upstream pressure disturbance s impacts on the engine speed is developed as an illustrative case of the system identification. This work will eventually enable an overall vehicle aero-propulso-servo-elastic model

Connolly, Joseph W.↗

Scaling considerations for supercritical carbon dioxide cycles including turbomachinery loss models

A modeling framework for the supercritical carbon dioxide recompressed closed Brayton cycle was developed. Unlike typical models, this effort incorporated generalized empirical turbomachinery loss models. Aerodynamic, windage, and leakage losses were considered in order to address the limitations of conventional constant-efficiency turbomachinery assumptions without relying on machine-specific or computationally expensive simulations. The model enables system-level exploration of optimal cycle design across a range of power scales, including smaller scales that are relevant to microreactors and extraterrestrial power applications. Parametric studies and multi-objective optimizations are used to evaluate the trade-offs between thermal efficiency and system compactness based on an analytical heat exchanger scaling model, yielding Pareto-optimal fronts across a range of operating pressures. Results reveal that at small power scales, the Pareto-optimal compressor inlet pressure becomes subcritical due to the increasing influence of density-dependent turbomachinery losses. Here, the relative contributions of each loss mechanism are quantified, and design recommendations are provided for key parameters such as recompression split ratio and generator cavity pressure across varying power scales.

Multi-objective optimization↗

Transonic performance of Mach 2.65 auxiliary flow axisymmetric inlet

Transonic experimental performance for a large scale Mach 2.65 axisymmetric inlet model with auxiliary airflow systems are presented. The inlet model incorporated both centerbody and cowl auxiliary airflow systems. When the centerbody system was fully open the performance at the simulated compressor face was such that, at 0.10 total pressure distortion the total capture mass flow ratio increased 0.055 and 0.051 and the total pressure recovery increased 0.015 and 0.012 at Mach 0.9 and 1.3, respectively. Flow separation on the centerbody resulted in supercritical centerbody auxiliary throat flow prior to attainment of choked main duct throat flow. Cowl auxiliary airflow had a detrimental effect on compressor-face performance. To overcome the detrimental effect, alternate cowl auxiliary airflow systems are described for efficient merging of auxiliary and main duct airflows and for providing similar auxiliary and main duct throat choking characteristics.

Santman, D. M.↗

Off-design computer code for calculating the aerodynamic performance of axial-flow fans and compressors

An off-design axial-flow compressor code is presented and is available from COSMIC for predicting the aerodynamic performance maps of fans and compressors. Steady axisymmetric flow is assumed and the aerodynamic solution reduces to solving the two-dimensional flow field in the meridional plane. A streamline curvature method is used for calculating this flow-field outside the blade rows. This code allows for bleed flows and the first five stators can be reset for each rotational speed, capabilities which are necessary for large multistage compressors. The accuracy of the off-design performance predictions depend upon the validity of the flow loss and deviation correlation models. These empirical correlations for the flow loss and deviation are used to model the real flow effects and the off-design code will compute through small reverse flow regions. The input to this off-design code is fully described and a user's example case for a two-stage fan is included with complete input and output data sets. Also, a comparison of the off-design code predictions with experimental data is included which generally shows good agreement.

Schmidt, James F.↗

Intermediate Fidelity Closed Brayton Cycle Power Conversion Model

This paper describes the implementation of an intermediate fidelity model of a closed Brayton Cycle power conversion system (Closed Cycle System Simulation). The simulation is developed within the Numerical Propulsion Simulation System architecture using component elements from earlier models. Of particular interest, and power, is the ability of this new simulation system to initiate a more detailed analysis of compressor and turbine components automatically and to incorporate the overall results into the general system simulation.

Lavelle, Thomas M.↗

Surface modeling and grid generation for aeropropulsion CFD

The efforts in geometry modeling and grid generation at the NASA Lewis Research Center, as applied to the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis of aeropropulsion systems, are presented. The efforts are mainly characterized by a focus on the analysis of components of an aeropropulsion system, which involve turbulent viscous flow with heat transfer and chemistry. Thus, this discussion will follow that characterization and will sequence through the components of typical propulsion systems consisting of inlets, compressors, combustors, turbines, and nozzles. For each component, some applications of CFD analysis will be presented to show how CFD is used to compute the desired performance information, how geometry modeling and grid generation are performed, and what issues have developed related to geometry modeling and grid generation. The discussion will illustrate the following needs related to geometry modeling and grid generation as observed in aeropropulsion analysis: (1) accurate and efficient resolution of turbulent viscous and chemically-reacting flowfields; (2) easy-to-use interfaces with CAD data for automated grid generation about complex geometries; and (3) automated batch grid generation software for use with design and optimization software.

Choo, Yung K.↗

Semi-actuator disk theory for compressor choke flutter

A mathematical anaysis predict the unsteady aerodynamic utilizing semi actuator theory environment for a cascade of airfoils harmonically oscillating in choked flow was developed. A normal shock is located in the blade passage, its position depending on the time dependent geometry, and pressure perturbations of the system. In addition to shock dynamics, the model includes the effect of compressibility, interblade phase lag, and an unsteady flow field upstream and downstream of the cascade. Calculated unsteady aerodynamics were compared with isolated airfoil wind tunnel data, and choke flutter onset boundaries were compared with data from testing of an F100 high pressure compressor stage.

Micklow, J.↗

Multi-stage heat pump with two-phase injection for cold climate applications implementing natural refrigerants

Heat pump adoption in cold climates is limited by various technical challenges, including heat capacity degradation, compressor deterioration, and frost accumulation on the outdoor heat exchanger. Furthermore, wide-spread adoption of heat pumps with high global warming potential presents a possible environmental concern. Thus, we present a heat pump concept termed the “saturation cycle,” which uses numerous compression stages to improve energy efficiency and injects two-phase refrigerant between compression stages to dramatically reduce compressor discharge temperatures. Given the growing interest in heat pumps, there is a need for a straightforward framework for parametric evaluation of natural refrigerants in high-efficiency heat pump cycle architectures, like the saturation cycle, in adverse climates. This work develops a thermodynamic modeling framework and focuses on the application of natural refrigerants to explore the performance trends at extremely cold climates down to −25 °C. This study shows that a two-stage saturation cycle and four-stage saturation cycle can reduce the compressor discharge superheating by up to 51–57 % or 73–80 %, respectively, depending on the refrigerant. Furthermore, at −25 °C, a two-stage R-290 saturation cycle heat pump theoretically can use 25 % less power than a single-stage heat pump or can provide up to 59 % more heating capacity when using the same compressor power as the baseline single-stage heat pump. The exergetic parametric analyses show that two-phase refrigerant injection fundamentally improves the thermodynamic performance of the heat pump, reducing overall exergy destruction by 10 % compared to a vapor-injection heat pump, compared at −25 °C. Thus, the saturation cycle is a promising heat pump cycle architecture for cold climate applications due to its superior energy savings (or capacity improvement) and substantial de-superheating capabilities.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

NASA low-speed centrifugal compressor for 3-D viscous code assessment and fundamental flow physics research

A low speed centrifugal compressor facility recently built by the NASA Lewis Research Center is described. The purpose of this facility is to obtain detailed flow field measurements for computational fluid dynamic code assessment and flow physics modeling in support of Army and NASA efforts to advance small gas turbine engine technology. The facility is heavily instrumented with pressure and temperature probes, both in the stationary and rotating frames of reference, and has provisions for flow visualization and laser velocimetry. The facility will accommodate rotational speeds to 2400 rpm and is rated at pressures to 1.25 atm. The initial compressor stage being tested is geometrically and dynamically representative of modern high-performance centrifugal compressor stages with the exception of Mach number levels. Preliminary experimental investigations of inlet and exit flow uniformly and measurement repeatability are presented. These results demonstrate the high quality of the data which may be expected from this facility. The significance of synergism between computational fluid dynamic analysis and experimentation throughout the development of the low speed centrifugal compressor facility is demonstrated.

Hathaway, M. D.↗

NASA low-speed centrifugal compressor for 3-D viscous code assessment and fundamental flow physics research

A low speed centrifugal compressor facility recently built by the NASA Lewis Research Center is described. The purpose of this facility is to obtain detailed flow field measurements for computational fluid dynamic code assessment and flow physics modeling in support of Army and NASA efforts to advance small gas turbine engine technology. The facility is heavily instrumented with pressure and temperature probes, both in the stationary and rotating frames of reference, and has provisions for flow visualization and laser velocimetry. The facility will accommodate rotational speeds to 2400 rpm and is rated at pressures to 1.25 atm. The initial compressor stage being tested is geometrically and dynamically representative of modern high-performance centrifugal compressor stages with the exception of Mach number levels. Preliminary experimental investigations of inlet and exit flow uniformly and measurement repeatability are presented. These results demonstrate the high quality of the data which may be expected from this facility. The significance of synergism between computational fluid dynamic analysis and experimentation throughout the development of the low speed centrifugal compressor facility is demonstrated.

Hathaway, M. D.↗

Application of bifurcation theory to axial flow compressor instability

When a compression system goes unstable, the mode of response depends on the operating and system parameters, such as throttle setting and B parameter. Previous numerical work on the model developed by Moore and Greitzer (1986) has provided a limited picture of the parametric effects. Applying bifurcation theory to a single-harmonic version of the model has supplied much more complete information, defining the boundaries of each mode of response in the parameter space. Specifically, this is shown in a plot of B vs. throttle setting, which compares well with the corresponding map produced experimentally. The importance of the shape of the rotating stall characteristic is emphasized. The analysis shows a qualitative difference between classic surge and deep surge.

Mccaughan, F. E.↗

Aerothermal modeling. Executive summary

One of the significant ways in which the performance level of aircraft turbine engines has been improved is by the use of advanced materials and cooling concepts that allow a significant increase in turbine inlet temperature level, with attendant thermodynamic cycle benefits. Further cycle improvements have been achieved with higher pressure ratio compressors. The higher turbine inlet temperatures and compressor pressure ratios with corresponding higher temperature cooling air has created a very hostile environment for the hot section components. To provide the technology needed to reduce the hot section maintenance costs, NASA has initiated the Hot Section Technology (HOST) program. One key element of this overall program is the Aerothermal Modeling Program. The overall objective of his program is to evolve and validate improved analysis methods for use in the design of aircraft turbine engine combustors. The use of such combustor analysis capabilities can be expected to provide significant improvement in the life and durability characteristics of both combustor and turbine components.

Kenworthy, M. K.↗

Bifurcation techniques for nonlinear dynamic analysis of compressor stall phenomena

Compressor stall phenomena is analyzed from nonlinear control theory viewpoint, based on bifurcation-catastrophe techniques. This new approach appears promising and offers insight into such well known compressor instability problems as surge and rotating stall; furthermore it suggests strategies for recovery from stall. Three interlocking dynamic nonlinear state space models are developed. It is shown that the problem of rotating stall can be viewed as an (induced) bifurcation of solution of the unstalled model. Hysteresis effect is shown to exist in the stall/recovery process. Surge cycles are observed to develop for some critical parameter values. It is shown that the oscillatory behavior is due to development of limit cycles, generated by Hopf bifurcation of solutions. Both stable and unstable limit cycles are observed. To further illustrate the usefulness of the methodology some partial computation of domains of attraction of equilibria is carried out, and parameter sensitivity analysis is performed.

Razavi, H. C.↗

Numerical analysis of supersonic flow through oscillating cascade sections by using a deforming grid

A finite difference code was developed for modeling inviscid, unsteady supersonic flow by solution of the compressible Euler equations. The code uses a deforming grid technique to capture the motion of the airfoils and can model oscillating cascades with any arbitrary interblade phase angle. A flat plate cascade is analyzed, and results are compared with results from a small-perturbation theory. The results show very good agreement for both the unsteady pressure distributions and the integrated force predictions. The reason for using the numerical Euler code over a small-perturbation theory is the ability to model real airfoils that have thickness and camber. Sample predictions are presented for a section of the rotor on a supersonic throughflow compressor designed at NASA Lewis Research Center. Preliminary results indicate that two-dimensional, flat plate analysis predicts conservative flutter boundaries.

Huff, Dennis L.↗

Numerical analysis of supersonic flow through oscillating cascade sections by using a deforming grid

A finite difference code was developed for modeling inviscid, unsteady supersonic flow by solution of the compressible Euler equations. The code uses a deforming grid technique to capture the motion of the airfoils and can model oscillating cascades with any arbitrary interblade phase angle. A flat plate cascade is analyzed, and results are compared with results from a small-perturbation theory. The results show very good agreement for both the unsteady pressure distributions and the integrated force predictions. The reason for using the numerical Euler code over a small-perturbation theory is the ability to model real airfoils that have thickness and camber. Sample predictions are presented for a section of the rotor on a supersonic throughflow compressor designed at NASA Lewis Research Center. Preliminary results indicate that two-dimensional, flat plate analysis predicts conservative flutter boundaries.

Huff, Dennis L.↗

Numerical prediction of wakes in cascades and compressor rotors including the effects of mixing. II - Rotor passage flow and wakes including the effects of spanwise mixing

The results of a numerical investigation to predict the flow field including wakes and mixing in axial-flow compressor rotors are presented. The wake behavior in a moderately loaded compressor rotor is studied numerically using a 3D incompressible Navier-Stokes solver with a high Reynolds number form of a turbulence model. The equations are solved using a time dependent implicit technique. The agreement between the measured data and the predictions is good; including the blade boundary-layer profiles, wake mean-velocity profiles, and decay. The ability of the pseudocompressibility scheme to predict the entire flow field including the near and far wake profiles and its decay characteristics, effect of loading, and the viscous losses of a 3D rotor flow field are demonstrated. The mixing in the downstream regions away from the hub and annulus walls is dominated by wake diffusion. In regions away from the walls the radial mixing is predominantly caused by the transport of mass, momentum, and energy by the radial component of velocity in the wake.

Lakshminarayana, B.↗