Application of Multistage CFD Analysis to Low Pressure Compressor Design
A Low Pressure Compressor (LPC) is unique in its requirements for wide operating range during a flight mission. As a result, the aerodynamic design involves a trade-off between performance and stall margin. The requirement to reduce engine development cost and schedule has resulted in developing LPCs during the engine validation program. With engine validation and certification schedules being compressed continuously, getting the initial design right has become critical. Multistage CFD analysis is used in the current design process to optimize the airfoils and stage matching. Three-dimensional airfoil features, such as bow, that improve secondary flow features and can be optimized using CFD. The PW6000 LPC engine test data has validated the analytical results and demonstrated surge margin and efficiency levels above the requirements. The LPC also achieved all other design objectives in its first build, representing a significant cost saving for a new centerline engine development program.