Optimization of the process chain for the design of axial compressors W. Riéra, A. Schmitz DLR - Institute of Propulsion Technology - Fan and Compressor

2 Contents Introduction I.Axial compressor design 1.The existing tools 2.The design process II.Duct optimization 1.Fundamental principles for the duct optimization 2.The duct optimization process III.From a duct to a 3D blade 1.Automated profile optimization 2.3D blade creation Conclusion & outlook Introduction

3 Contents Introduction I.Axial compressor design 1.The existing tools 2.The design process II.Duct optimization 1.Fundamental principles for the duct optimization 2.The duct optimization process III.From a duct to a 3D blade 1.Automated profile optimization 2.3D blade creation Conclusion & outlook

4 The existing tools Axial compressor design ACDC-2D (Advanced Compressor Design Code)  Solves the differential equations of the radial equilibrium and the continuity equation of a duct  Correlations for : the total pressure losses the deviation for a profile  Second order computation  Real gas module in option  Still in development…  Writes the boundary conditions and the first draft profiles for MISES

5 The existing tools Axial compressor design MISES  Solver for airfoils in cascades from the M.I.T.  Coupled viscous / inviscid Euler method for profile design AutoOpti  Automatic optimizer from the DLR  Based on an evolutionary algorithm

6 Axial compressor design The design process ParamVar / ACDC-1D ACDC-2D or Ductflow MISES (solver for blade profiles) BladeGenerator (from profiles to a 3D blade) G3Dmesh (meshing) GMC (pre-processing) TRACE (solver) Automatic optimization

7 Contents Introduction I.Axial compressor design 1.The existing tools 2.The design process II.Duct optimization 1.Fundamental principles for the duct optimization 2.The duct optimization process III.From a duct to a 3D blade 1.Automated profile optimization 2.3D blade creation Conclusion & outlook

8 Duct optimization Fundamental principles for the duct optimization  Find the best duct configuration : Increase the pressure ratio for the compressor Decrease losses  by changing : The duct geometry The flow turning of each blade (input for ACDC-2D)  Based mainly on already existing tools

9 Duct optimization The duct optimization process UserDefinedRestriction UserDefinedFunction : Manage the geometrical changes Python program : Check geometry Bash script and Regions of interest : Check results ACDC-2D solver S2Generator Mesh modifier Change flow turning Change geometrical values Original mesh Modified mesh Computed solution AutoOpti

10 Contents Introduction I.Axial compressor design 1.The existing tools 2.The design process II.Duct optimization 1.Fundamental principles for the duct optimization 2.The duct optimization process III.From a duct to a 3D blade 1.Automated profile optimization 2.3D blade creation Conclusion & outlook

11 Automated profile optimization From a duct to a 3D blade Profile in MISES  Configuration settings automated for a profile optimization with AutoOpti Fits the boundary conditions Adapts to the geometry of each profile  Automatic launch of the optimization on the cluster Reduce the losses Reach the required exit angle from ACDC-2D  Second operating point available in option  Optional : export only one k-line and/or one blade

12 3D blade creation From a duct to a 3D blade  Post processing  Use the optimized profiles and BladeGenerator to create a 3D blade  3D blades are adapted to the duct and ready for a 3D computation

13 Outcome :  A program for the parameter study of axial compressors was written and implemented in ACDC-1D.  The preliminary compressor design was optimized with : a process chain for a duct optimization an automated profile optimization an automated creation of 3D blades from the optimized profiles Next steps :  Focus on the post processing  Implement other options for users and improve the code  Intensive tests on different compressor configurations Conclusion & outlook

14 Thank you for your attention!