This paper describes a Small Modular Axial Compressor Rig (SMACR) being developed by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) for use in research into ice crystal icing (ICI) of jet engine compressors. This compressor will allow a variety of effects that cannot be simulated with static rigs, such as those used in previous ICI research at NRC, to be investigated. These include particle fragmentation, centrifuging and melting by the heat of compression. The paper describes the design of a single stage that can be replicated to obtain a multi-stage compressor by simply changing the rotor and stator and other minor hardware items. The modularity is achieved by using an independent high speed electric motor for each stage and mounting the (overhung) rotor directly on the motor output shaft. Preliminary test results are presented for the modular drive assembly combined with the 1~(st) stage rotor and stator for sea level pressure and lower pressures of -69kPa and 47kPa obtained by testing in a purpose-built low pressure (LP) plenum. These results show that the 1~(st) stage can deliver the target power of approximately 15kW at rotational speeds over 30000RPM, which should be sufficient for fragmentation studies. Simulation results for ice particle melting in the compressor with 2 and 3 stages and fully glaciated inlet conditions show that 2 stages will be able to produce a discharge melt ratio (MR) above the lower end of the "plateau" for ICI, at least at the lowest targeted operating pressure of 34.5kPa (5psia) where low melting will result from high evaporative cooling. An additional (3rd) stage will likely be required to produce an MR approaching the upper end of the plateau at these conditions.
展开▼
