Reduction of Compressor Stator Endwall Losses Through the Use of Bowed Stators

Abstract

The growth of suction surface corner separation in multistage compressor stators is shown to limit the pressure rise capability of core flow stator sections, which would otherwise remain unseparated at the same incident flow. Three dimensional CFD modeling of the stator flowfield has led to the development of “bowed” stator shapes which are predicted to substantially delay the onset of suction surface corner separation. Experimental testing of the bowed stator concept in the exit stator of a three–stage research compressor has confirmed the elimination of suction surface corer separation, the resulting reduction of the endwall loss, and the increase in pressure rise capability of the stator core sections due to the elimination of the radial growth of the corner separation region. Application of bowed stators in all three stator rows of the research compressor has provided more robust characteristics and substantially improved efficiency over the entire flow range.