Educational Optimization Software for Axial Compressor Flow Path Design

An axial High-Pressure Compressor (HPC) flow path design with losses mathematical model and relevant computer program have been created in previous research. Likewise, we have created our models and optimization methods based on mean line design, and software for education has also been created with the combination of our programs for students who study later to understand how parameters affect the shape and efficiency of the compressor. In this paper, we divided our parameters into 3 parts named Input Parameters, Designed Parameters, and Output Parameters, among them, the Design Parameters are the key to the optimization. We got the input data included inlet total temperature, inlet total pressure, inlet mass flow rate, and specific work by thermodynamics calculation with ASTRA software, Then a set of data including overall parameters such as the number of stages and the average diameters of inlet and outlet as well as the first-stage geometry parameters are used to determine the other stages’ parameters such as velocity triangles, diameters for hub and shroud sections of the blades, etc., to generate the initial shape of the flow path. Finally, optimization accomplished by redistribution of our design parameters accounts for some limitations of parameters which will affect the manufacturing and mechanical requirements which allow us to get a much more realistic shape of the flow path and higher efficiency.