Axial Compressor Aerodesign Evolution at General Electric

Abstract

This paper traces the origins of the GE Design System and how it has evolved from early methods to underlie and supplement present CFD methods, which are not themselves discussed herein. The two main elements of the detailed aero design process are vector diagram establishment and airfoil design. Their evolution is examined, and examples of how they were used to design some early GE compressors of interest are given. By the late 1950s, some transonic airfoil shapes were being custom tailored using internal blade station data from more complete radial equilibrium solutions. In the 1960s, rules for shaping transonic passages were established, and by the 1970s, custom tailoring was done for subsonic blading as well. The preliminary design layout process for a new compressor is described. It involves selecting an annulus shape and blading overall proportions that will allow a successful detailed design to follow. This requires establishment of stage loading limits that permit stall-free operation, and an efficiency potential prediction method for state-of-the-art blading. As design methods evolved, the newer approaches were calibrated with data-match experience, a process that is expected to always be needed.