A New Multistage Axial Compressor Designed With the APNASA Multistage CFD Code: Part 2 — Application to a New Compressor Design

Abstract

In this second part of a two-part paper on the application of the NASA multistage aerodynamic simulation CFD tool, the APNASA code, work is presented on how the code was used successfully in the design of a brand new, four-stage axial compressor aimed for a modern turbofan engine. In particular, the code was used to guide the blade geometry changes such that the right stage matching throughout the compressor was achieved. The overall performance is shown to be in good agreement with the map generated prior to the detailed design from a one-dimensional model, including the surge line. This success is attributed to the fact that the compressor has been successfully matched at its design intention. More detailed comparisons of the measurements with the prediction demonstrate capability of APNASA in capturing details of flow, such as the rotor exit pressure and temperature profiles and the stator exit flow angle. Largely as a result of the application of APNASA, the compressor described in this paper has been designed “right the first time”, resulting in significant cost savings in a new engine development program for Honeywell Engines and Systems.