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The effect of very low axial clearances on the performance of an axial-flow compressor stage

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 April 2006

S. B. Furber
S. B. Furber
Affiliation:
Acorn Computers Limited, Fulbourn Road, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1 4JN
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Abstract

The results of tests on an axial-flow compressor stage designed to allow operation at unusually low axial clearances are presented. The axial clearance was varied between 1 and 33 % of the blade chord whilst the compressor was running, and the stage pressure rise showed a peak at a clearance around 4 % of blade chord. The pressure rise was 8 % higher at this clearance than at 33 % of chord, with no significant change in the stage efficiency. In addition, reducing the clearance was found under some conditions to bring the stage from a stalled to a fully unstalled state. The sound output of the stage was measured at all clearances, and the results show a significant increase in the high harmonics of the blade-passing frequency at low axial clearances.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 159 , October 1985 , pp. 477 - 485
Copyright
© 1985 Cambridge University Press

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References

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