Optimizing the Efficiency of a Multi-Stage Axial-Flow Compressor : An Application of Stage-Wise Optimization

The development of jet engines has become an integral part of maintaining air superiority. In order to achieve the most advanced engine, research has turned to traditional optimization methods to aid in creating new engine designs. To develop simplified mathematical models representative of the engine, the engine can be separated into its components. A jet engine has three major elements, the compressor, combustion chamber and turbine. This research attempts to make an initial analysis of a two stage compressor to determine values of blade angles and spacing to chord ratios for both stages that produce the highest possible efficiency for the overall two stage compressor. A pitch line model is developed for a two stage compressor and is used in conjunction with a optimization method to solve for the on design air angles and spacing to chord ratios. The results of the model were compared to examples available in current literature to ensure the model properly represents a compressor stage. The off design performance of the results was calculated to determine how the designs for on design operated under off design conditions. Since practical compressors are made up of many stages, consideration is given to which optimization method would be most useful in solving for a multistage compressor.Air Force Inst of Tech Wright-Patterson AFB OH School of Engineering is the author of 'Optimizing the Efficiency of a Multi-Stage Axial-Flow Compressor : An Application of Stage-Wise Optimization', published 1998 under ISBN 9781423563297 and ISBN 1423563298.