Experimental Flow Investigation Inside an Axial Compressor with Active Flow Control

Abstract

This paper describes the experimental study of the flow behavior in a rotor blade channel of an axial compressor equipped with an Active Flow Control (AFC) system using Particle Image Velocimetry. The AFC system consists of 40 actuators connected to an auxiliary supply pressure system. It is used to extend the stable operating range and to improve the performance of the compressor. The system is able to generate high speed jets blowing just at the tip of the rotor blades. PIV data are obtained at three radial positions (at 18%, 51% and 79% of the blade height) in the inter-blade channel region. The PIV results are discussed to analyze the effect of the control system on the compressor internal flows.