An Experimental Investigation of Shrouded and Cantilevered Compressor Stators at Varying Clearance Sizes

Abstract

This paper presents measurements conducted at a 4-stage low speed axial research compressor with cantilevered and shrouded stator vanes. The aim of the work is to compare these two design philosophies under rear stage conditions. To achieve blockage levels typical for rear compressor stages, the hub clearance of the first and second vane row were kept constant at 4% of channel height. The investigation were done within the third and fourth stage of the compressor. Tests were conducted at 4 different hub clearances over the third and fourth stator and subsequently with 3 different mass flow rates through the cavity of the shrouded third stator. Overall performance data and flow field traverses upstream and downstream of stator 3 and rotor 4 will be discussed.