Prediction of Non-Uniform Distorted Flows, Effects on Transonic Compressor Using CFD, Regression Analysis and Artificial Neural Networks

Abstract

Non-uniform inlet flows frequently occur in aircrafts and result in chronological distortions of total temperature and total pressure at the engine inlet. Distorted inlet flow operation of the axial compressor deteriorates aerodynamic performance, which reduces the stall margin and increases blade stress levels, which in turn causes compressor failure. Deep learning is an efficient approach to predict catastrophic compressor failure, and its stability for better performance at minimum computational cost and time. The current research focuses on the development of a transonic compressor instability prediction tool for the comprehensive modeling of axial compressor dynamics. A novel predictive approach founded by an extensive CFD-based dataset for supervised learning has been implemented to predict compressor performance and behavior at different ambient temperatures and flow conditions. Artificial Neural Network-based results accurately predict compressor performance parameters by minimizing the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) loss function. Computational results show that, as compared to the tip radial pressure distortion, hub radial pressure distortion has improved the stability range of the compressor. Furthermore, the combined effect of pressure distortion with the bulk flow has a qualitative and deteriorator effect on the compressor.

Keywords

• compressor stall
• pressure distortion
• swirl flows
• stability analysis
• CFD
• artificial neural networks