Numerical Simulation of Sand Erosion in a Transonic Compressor Rotor

Sand erosion is a phenomenon whereby solid particles impinging on a wall cause serious mechanical damage to the wall surface. Aircraft engines operating in a particulate environment are subjected to deterioration of performance and life due to sand erosion. In particular, the compressors of aircraft engines are severely affected. In our previous study, the authors developed code for predicting sand erosion three-dimensionally and subsequently applied it to a subsonic axial compressor. However, design trends for modern compressors continue to increase blade loading and decrease aspect ratios. Additionally, modern compressors are transonic. To aid in the design and deepen understanding, it is important to study sand erosion in such transonic compressors. Herein, Rotor 37 was used in sand erosion simulations. The particle motion, erosion rate were investigated.Copyright © 2010 by ASME