Stator Endwall Leading-Edge Sweep and Hub Shroud Influence on Compressor Performance

Abstract

The use of stator endwall leading-edge sweep to improve axial-flow compressor stator row performance was examined experimentally. The aerodynamics of three stator hub (inner diameter) conditions, namely, a running clearance, a stationary clearance, and a shroud, were also investigated. Leading-edge sweep in the endwall regions of a stator blade can be beneficial in terms of loss reduction on the casing (outer diameter) end of a stator blade. It can also help at the hub end of a stator blade when either a stationary hub clearance or a hub shroud is used. A leading-edge sweep is detrimental (local loss increase) on the hub end of a stator blade when a running hub clearance is used. A running clearance is aerodynamically preferable to a stationary clearance.