Effect of forward-swept rotor on stall margin in an axial flow compressor at distorted inflow condition

Abstract

In this study, we aim to elucidate the effect of a forward-swept rotor on the stall margin and flow field at the distorted inflow conditions. The rig in this research is a low-speed, single-stage axial compressor, which has two types of rotor blades: The radially stacked blade (Radial) and the forward-swept blade (Sweep). The distortion screen that circumferentially generates distorted inflow is located upstream of the rotor. The stall margin of Sweep was found to be larger than that of Radial. Sweep was considered to improve the flow fields at the distorted inflow conditions. From the results of the study, it was observed that Sweep suppressed the circumferential expansion of the high-load regions and the spike-type disturbances generated at the distorted sector. Therefore, Sweep enlarged the stall margin more than to Radial.