Investigation of inlet flow influenced on the first rotor flow instability at blade non-synchronous vibration state

Abstract

Multistage axial compressor first stage rotor blades have occurred non-synchronous vibration (NSV). An experiment, including fluid and structure measurements, is adopted at the NSV occurred conditions to conduct a detailed investigation about NSV and rotating instability. The blade vibration stress was obtained from the strain gauges. High-frequency response two-hole pressure probes captured the flow characteristics at the inlet and outlet of the first stage rotor. NSV has a complex aerodynamic disturbance source. Wavelet and frequency spectrum analyses of pressure and blade stress results were utilized to determine the relationship between the blade vibration and the flow field. The inlet flow angle has been adjusted through the inlet guide vane (IGV) to reduce the vibration intensity. This paper revealed the aerodynamic origin behind this adjustment of IGV angle operation. The yaw angle and the axial direction March number at the first stage rotor inlet at different inlet guide vane (IGV) angles revealed the aerodynamic effect. Three operation points, including the maximum stress point and near surge point, are analyzed to broaden the cognition boundary of the NSV. The time and space characteristics of the rotating instabilities have been studied with the azimuthal mode analysis method. This research confirmed that the enlarged inlet incidence angle and the tip flow worsened caused the first stage rotor non-synchronous vibration in this multistage axial compressor. These experiments help find a straight relationship between the NSV and rotating instability.