Development and application of a throughflow method for high-loaded axial flow compressors

In this paper, a novel engineering platform for throughflow analysis based on streamline curvature approach is developed for the research of a 5-stage compressor. The method includes several types of improved loss and deviation angle models, which are combined with the authors’ adjustments for the purpose of reflecting the influences of three-dimensional internal flow in high-loaded multistage compressors with higher accuracy. In order to validate the reliability and robustness of the method, a series of test cases, including a subsonic compressor P&W 3S1, a transonic rotor NASA Rotor 1B and especially an advanced high pressure core compressor GE E3 HPC, are conducted. Then the computation procedure is applied to the research of a 5-stage compressor which is designed for developing an industrial gas turbine. The overall performance and aerodynamic configuration predicted by the procedure, both at design- and part-speed conditions, are analyzed and compared with experimental results, which show a good agreement. Further discussion regarding the universality of the method compared with CFD is made afterwards. The throughflow method is verified as a reliable and convenient tool for aerodynamic design and performance prediction of modern high-loaded compressors. This method is also qualified for use in the further optimization of the 5-stage compressor.