Full Annulus High Fidelity Fan and Compressor Simulations

Abstract

Challenge Project C3L supports research efforts to design distortion tolerant fans and accurately predict the inlet conditions to the core compressor of gas turbine engines. The technical approach and computational challenges associated with the Challenge Project are presented. The simulations run have produced critical understanding that allows design and performanceprediction tools to be improved by being based more on flow physics and less on empiricism. Distortion transfer simulations of two multistage fans show the stage-bystage transfer and generation of total pressure and total temperature distortion. Fan response for each stage along the circumference showed the first stage and the middle stage performance trajectories did not follow a typical speedline pattern while the last stage performance closely resembled a typical speedline. Simulations of an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) research compressor are presented to show how aerodynamic blockage varies at off design operating conditions.