Experimental-numerical investigation for predicting erosion in the first stage of an axial compressor

A combined experimental and computational study was conducted to predict the erosion of the first stage blades of an axial compressor caused by solid particle impacts. A specific test bench was designed and constructed to perform examinations for determining erosion rates of blade material under different impact conditions. According to the test results, the empirical constants of the erosion model for the blade material (AISI Custom 450 stainless steel) were specified. Numerical simulations for the 3D flow field and particle trajectories were employed to determine particle impact conditions. The trajectories indicate that the particles impact the IGV and rotor pressure surface, and stator pressure and suction surface. IGV, rotor blade and stator vane surface erosion patterns were predicted based on the computed trajectories and the erosion model calibrated on experimental blade erosion test. The highest erosion rates occurred on the rotor blade tip and stator hub, especially near the leading edge. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.