Application of a design optimization strategy to multi-stage compressor matching

A major challenge in the design of multi-stage compressors is the matching of stages to enable stable operation over a large range of mass flows and operating conditions. Particularly in turbofan low-pressure compressors, where a variable geometry cannot be implemented, design strategies for maximum efficiency at high speed can compromise the surge margin at low speed. In this thesis, a design optimization framework has been implemented to an industry-strength compressor-matching problem. The optimization framework combines a mean-line flow solver and a dynamic stability analysis of a six-stage low-pressure compressor of a modern turbofan engine to optimize the blade row geometry for enhanced stability at flight idle conditions. To assess the potential improvements in compressor stability at low speed, a number of optimization strategies are employed using different objective functions and stability metrics. To estimate the performance and stability of the six-stage compressor, a mean-line flow solver is developed and coupled with a previously developed dynamic compressor-stability analysis. A fan-root flow model and an endwall loss correlation are developed using performance data provided by industry.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Bert, Jérôme

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Zoltán S. Spakovszky.

• Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/36171

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/36171