Low-Speed Axial Compressor

The low-speed axial compressor (LSAC) was initially built to research the aerodynamic effects on surrounding zones.

Field of Application

  • Research of aerodynamic effects on neighboring zones
  • Transition investigation
  • Investigation of aeroelastic fundamentals

Description

This two-stage axial compressor operates within a closed-loop circuit. In order to adjust and define the boundary conditions at the compressor inlet, the air temperature can be controlled and set as a constant in the condenser. The stator blades are instrumented with a hot-film array that allows the investigation of transition dependent on the upstream and downstream perturbations induced by the rotor blades. The low ratio of thickness and span of the LSAC allows the research of the fundamentals of aeroelasticity. Piezoelectric actuators are used to excite blade vibrations during the design concept. The rotor blade vibrations can then be measured by means of a strain gauge, and also through the tip-timing system.

Picture - Schematic cross sectional view of the LSAC Picture - Schematic cross sectional view of the LSAC Picture - Schematic cross sectional view of the LSAC
Schematic cross sectional view of the LSAC
Picture - Schematic assembly of the LSAC-test stand Picture - Schematic assembly of the LSAC-test stand Picture - Schematic assembly of the LSAC-test stand
Schematic assembly of the LSAC-test stand
Picture - Blading of the LSAC Picture - Blading of the LSAC Picture - Blading of the LSAC
Blading of the LSAC

Measurement Techniques

  • Steady and unsteady measurement techniques.
  • Temperature measurement techniques (Type K and PT100).
  • Torque shaft measurement techniques.
  • Acceleration sensors for vibration monitoring.
  • Hot-film array for wall shear stress measurements.
  • Radial-periphery pocket with steady and unsteady multi-hole probes behind each stator row.
  • Radial pocket with steady and unsteady multi-hole probes behind each rotor row.
  • CTA and CCA probes for measuring velocity vectors and flow field turbulence.
  • Strain gauge to measure blade vibrations.
  • Tip timing for blade vibration measurement.

Specifications

Output power 450 kW
Rotational speed 3.000 1/min
Mass flow 16,5 kg/s
Total pressure ratio 1,08
No.  Stages 2
Hub ratio 0,63
Thickness-span ratio 0.064 (Hub), 0.043 (Blade tip)
Axial velocity in meridian plane 55,5 m/s

Contact

Dipl.-Ing. Henning Rätz
Research Staff
Address
An der Universität 1
30823 Garbsen
Building
Room
218
Dipl.-Ing. Henning Rätz
Research Staff
Address
An der Universität 1
30823 Garbsen
Building
Room
218
Dr.-Ing. Dajan Mimic
Group Leader
Axial Compressors
Address
An der Universität 1
30823 Garbsen
Building
Room
209
Dr.-Ing. Dajan Mimic
Group Leader
Axial Compressors
Address
An der Universität 1
30823 Garbsen
Building
Room
209