The mechanism of radial compressor instability
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Authors
Winner, Crawford Douglas
Subjects
Advisors
Bailey, Neil P.
Date of Issue
1951-05
Date
May 1951
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Language
Abstract
The limit imposed on the operating range of a radial flow compressor by surging or pulsations in the reduced flow region has long been a source of concern to design engineers who would like to use this otherwise simple, lightweight and efficient compressor. A preliminary study of the nature of the pulsations lead to the design of the Deflected Spill Pickup in an effort to simulate the compressor flow characteristics under conditions of close control and simple analytical boundaries. A fair degree of agreement was obtained between the flow and instability characteristics of the spill and the actual compressor to which it was proportioned. The analysis provides an explanation for the observed differences in flow characteristics and suggests the possibilities of producing closer agreement. During the course of the investigation it became evident that the Deflected Spill Pickup could become a valuable component in the experimental study of other flow instability phenomena by providing a source of intermediate velocity air with the flat pressure vs flow characteristics of a system closely coupled to a radial flow compressor. The work with the spill also provided the groundwork for a suggested design for a radial flow compressor that should be free of the investigated instability in the reduced flow region of operations. The tests were conducted at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York using the facilities of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Type
Thesis
Description
This thesis document was issued under the authority of another institution, not NPS. At the time it was written, a copy was added to the NPS Library collection for reasons not now known. It has been included in the digital archive for its historical value to NPS. Not believed to be a CIVINS (Civilian Institutions) title.
Series/Report No
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Organization
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute