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Ball, C. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Ball, C. L..

The design and development of transonic multistage compressors

The development of the transonic multistage compressor is reviewed. Changing trends in design and performance parameters are noted. These changes are related to advances in compressor aerodynamics, computational fluid mechanics and other enabling technologies. The parameters normally given to the designer and those that need to be established during the design process are identified. Criteria and procedures used in the selection of these parameters are presented. The selection of tip speed, aerodynamic loading, flowpath geometry, incidence and deviation angles, blade/vane geometry, blade/vane solidity, stage reaction, aerodynamic blockage, inlet flow per unit annulus area, stage/overall velocity ratio, and aerodynamic losses are considered. Trends in these parameters both spanwise and axially through the machine are highlighted. The effects of flow mixing and methods for accounting for the mixing in the design process are discussed.

Ball, C. L.↗

Supersonic throughflow fans

Supersonic throughflow fan research, and technology needs are reviewed. The design of a supersonic throughflow fan stage, a facility inlet, and a downstream diffuser is described. The results from the analysis codes used in executing the design are shown. An engine concept intended to permit establishing supersonic throughflow within the fan on the runway and maintaining the supersonic throughflow condition within the fan throughout the flight envelope is presented.

Ball, C. L.↗

End-wall boundary layer measurements in a two-stage fan

Detailed flow measurements made in the casing boundary layer of a two-stage transonic fan are summarized. These measurements were taken at stations upstream of the fan, between all blade rows, and downstream of the last blade row. At the design tip speed of 429 m/sec the fan achieved a peak efficiency of 0.846 at a pressure ratio of 2.471. The boundary layer data were obtained at three weight flows at the design speed: one near choke flow, one near peak efficiency, and one near stall. Conventional boundary layer parameters were calculated from the data measured at each measuring station for each of the three flows. A classical two dimensional casing boundary layer was measured at the fan inlet and extended inward to approximately 15 percent of span. A highly three dimensional boundary layer was measured at the exit of each blade row and extended inward to approximately 10 percent of span. The steep radial gradient of axial velocity noted at the exit of the rotors was reduced substantially as the flow passed through the stators. This reduced gradient is attributed to flow mixing. The amount of flow mixing was reflected in the radial redistribution of total temperature as the flow passed through the stators. The data also show overturning of the tip flow at the stator exits that is consistent with the expected effect of the secondary flow field. The blockage factors calculated from the measured data show an increase in blockage across the rotors and a decrease across the stators.

Ball, C. L.↗

End-wall boundary layer measurements in a two-stage fan

Detailed flow measurements made in the casing boundary layer of a two-stage transonic fan are summarized. These measurements were taken at a station upstream of the fan, between all blade rows, and downstream of the last row. Conventional boundary layer parameters were calculated from the measured data. A classical two dimensional casing boundary layer was measured at the fan inlet and extended inward to approximately 15 percent of span. A highly three dimensional boundary layer was measured at the exit of each blade row and extended inward to approximately 10 percent of span. The steep radial gradient of axial velocity noted at the exit of the rotors was reduced substantially as the flow passed through the stators. This reduced gradient is attributed to flow mixing. The amount of flow mixing was reflected in the radial redistribution of total temperature as the flow passed through the stators. The blockage factors calculated from the measured data show an increase in blockage across the rotors and a decrease across the stators. For this fan the calculated blockages for the second stage were essentially the same as those for the first stage.

Ball, C. L.↗

Performance of 1380-foot-per-second tip-speed axial-flow compressor rotor with blade tip solidity of 1.1

The aerodynamic design parameters are presented along with the overall and blade element performance, of an axial-flow compressor rotor designed to study the effects of blade solidity on efficiency and stall margin. At design speed the peak efficiency was 0.853 and occured at an equivalent weight flow of 65.7lb/sec. The total pressure ratio was 1.68. Design efficiency, weight flow, pressure ratio, and temperature ratio were 0.822, 65.3, 1.65, and 1.187, respectively. Stall margin for design speed was 14 percent based on the weight flows and pressure ratios at peak efficiency and just prior to stall.

Janetzke, D. C.↗

Effect of Reynolds number on overall performance of a 3.7-inch-diameter six-stage axial-flow compressor

A 9.4-centimeter (3.7-in.) diameter six-stage axial-flow compressor was tested in argon over a range of inlet pressures corresponding to a Reynolds number range of 30,600 to 160,000. The effect of Reynolds number on efficiency, pressure ratio, work input, maximum flow, and surge is shown. The Reynolds number effects are discussed in terms of changes in boundary-layer thickness, losses, and the resulting changes in throughflow velocity. Significant deviation was noted from the 0.2 power relation often used to express the variation of loss with Reynolds number.

Heidelberg, L. J.↗

Reynolds number effect on overall performance of a 10.8-centimeter (4.25-inch) sweptback bladed centrifugal compressor

The performance data were taken at 50,000 rpm, using argon gas. As the Reynolds number was reduced from near design value to 30 percent of design, the maximum efficiency decreased about 1.5 percentage points. Reducing the Reynolds number from 30 percent to approximately 10 percent of design caused the maximum efficiency to decrease another 2.5 percentage points. The variation in loss with Reynolds number is compared with inverse power relation of loss with Reynolds number.

Weigel, C.↗

Performance of 1380 foot per second tip-speed axial-flow compressor rotor blade tip solidity of 1.5

This presents the aerodynamic design parameters along with the overall and blade element performance of an axial-flow compressor rotor designed to study the effects of blade solidity on efficiency and stall margin. At design speed the peak efficiency was 0.892 and occurred at an equivalent weight flow of 65.0 lb/sec. The total pressure ratio was 1.83 and the total temperature ratio was 1.215. Design efficiency, weight flow, pressure ratio, and temperature ratio were 0.824, 65.3, 1.65, and 1.187, respectively. Stall margin for design speed was 10 percent based on the weight flow and pressure ratio values at peak efficiency and just prior to stall.

Ball, C. L.↗