NASA Phase2 Unlimited Rights Final Report Research and Technology for Aerospace Propulsion Systems (RTAPS) Task Order: ERA Advanced Core Compressor Technology Program
As part of the NASA Integrated Systems Research Program (ISRP), Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project, NASA GRC and GE Aviation have partnered to investigate the technology barriers associated with improved fuel economy of large gas turbine engines. Crucial to improving fuel economy is the increase in pressure ratio (PR) of the core high pressure compressor (HPC). A key enabler to increasing HPC pressure ratios are new technology front stage airfoil designs that have higher efficiency, higher pressure ratios and improvements in front stage part-power operability. The purpose of this work is to design and test two high pressure ratio, high efficiency front block designs. The baseline design, hereafter referred to as Build 1, is similar to what would be found in a high efficiency 30:1 PR class HPC. A redesigned front block with improved blading will also be tested and hereafter be referred to as Build 2. The goal of Build 2 is to increase stage aero loading (increase stage pressure ratio) beyond Build 1 while maintaining equivalent efficiency and stall margin. The detailed inter-stage and traverse data from the two builds will be used to improve understanding of the complex flow physics at high-speed and part-speed conditions that impact performance and operability. By addressing, understanding and solving the challenges associated with aerodynamic losses and stage matching better design strategies can be incorporated in future core compressors with higher efficiency, thereby enabling improvement in mission fuel burn while still meeting operability requirements.