Study of the Erosion in First Stage of Axial Flow Compressor

Abstract

Erosion is a process that describes continuous physical and chemical events which causes soil and rock on the earth’s surface to loosen and move to a new location, the erosion occurred in first stage of compressor which is one of crucial component of gas turbine engine that leads to reduce performance of aircraft engine. This is a report of a research study about the mechanisms of erosive wear of first stage compressor blades in turbo shaft engines for helicopter aircrafts. Occurred defects for turboshaft engines in first stage compressor reduce blade thickness, reduce blade chord, increase surface roughness,increase close running clearance, making the blade structure weaker and cause losses in power and efficiency that lead to reduce life time of compressor. NACA0012 airfoil had been tested in wind tunnel in two cases: clean and rough (to simulate erosion effect). The free stream velocity chosen to be constant to get the drag and lift coefficients, the results had been plotted in MATLAB. Results from MATLAB supported the theory that the erosion is affecting the forces and performance after comparing the results from two cases. Suggestions made to coat the blade by chrome to increase the life time and fighting the effect of the ambient environment.