The Effect of Steam Ingestion on Transonic Rotor Stall Margin

Abstract

The adverse effect of high temperature water vapor on the stall margin of a transonic compressor rotor is investigated. This type of flow condition is experienced during the takeoff of carrier born aircraft. An experiment is designed to replicate these flow conditions on a transonic compressor test rig. The transient inlet conditions are measured and the changes in gas properties as well as the reduction in stall margin for differing steam inlet pressures are presented. High speed data measurements are used to investigate the initial conditions of the compressor before steam is introduced to the flow. Evidence of pre-cursors rotating at near half rotor speed are found and the strength of these appear to give an indication of the compressor’s susceptibility to stall.