Basic Studies of Rotating Stall in Axial Flow Compressors.

Abstract : This report presents the results of a theoretical and experimental program aimed at obtaining a sufficient understanding of the rotating stall phenomena such that its onset and properties can be predicted under a wide set of circumstances. The theoretical research covers the development of two-dimensional stability theories for compressible flows and the progress towards the development of a three-dimensional theory for incompressible flow. The experimental work, performed in an annular cascade facility, studied the effects of rotorstator interference both on the steady-state performance of the blade rows and on rotating stall. The influence of circumferential distortion on the rotating stall boundary for the stage was also determined. Comparisons are made between the experimental results and the predictions of a two-dimensional rotating stall stability theory which had been developed previously for incompressible flows. (Author)