Research on Particle Motion and Erosion Characteristics in the Blade Passage of Multistage Axial Compressors

Abstract

Aviation and ground compressors are susceptible to the erosion of hard particles in the sandy environment, leading to lower performance and shorter service life of the equipment. Although many studies have been performed on this topic, current literature mainly focused on the steady ideal operating conditions of compressors. In this paper, particle motion behavior and erosion characteristics in the blade passage of a 3.5-stage axial compressor under actual service environment are investigated with the RANS numerical simulation method systematically. By comparing the particle trajectories, erosion rate density and other indicators, effect of particle diameter, particle mass concentration, compressor speed and inlet conditions on erosion characteristics are explored in detail. Results show that the value of erosion rate density on the blade pressure side is overall higher than the suction side. The erosion area and intensity of the rotors are generally more serious than stators, especially on the first rotor blade. With variation in particle size, particle diameter of 100 μm becomes the turning point to change the erosion trend of the blades. Moreover, the overall erosion rates increase linearly with increasing mass concentration of inhaled particles. However, its impact on the erosion position and morphology are not obvious. When the compressor speed increases from 6050 rpm to 6650 rpm, the eroded mass of R1 increases by 10.7%, and the casing erosion rate increases about 11 times. Compared with the winter condition, the overall erosion rate in summer increases by 62%. The results of this paper will provide a technology basis for the prediction on particle erosion behavior and formulation of operation and maintenance programs for aero engines and ground gas turbines under the actual service environment.