Summary

Description

Description: The CRF supports exploratory and advanced development efforts in compressor technology, independently evaluating full-scale, multi-stage, one or two-spool three-flow fans and compressors under operating conditions similar to actual flight profiles. It is used to determine the aerodynamic and aeromechanical performance of the most advanced compressors and fans in the world, while enhancing the understanding their complex internal flow physics. Using this research data, design techniques and CFD codes and models are verified and enhanced. It is automated and computer controlled to study steady-state and transient phenomena on full-size research compressors. The facility can handle most compressors from operational engines and is used to update compressor performance maps. The CRF's performance characteristics include: Main Drive: Speed/power - 0 to 16,000 rpm at 30,000 HP; Speed/power - 0 to 30,000 rpm at 15,000 HP Dual Drive: Speed/Power - 0 - 12,500 rpm at 8000 HP Acceleration rate - 10%/second (facility speed) Inlet pressure range - 2 psia to ambient Inlet air flow rate - 0 - 500 lbm/sec Inlet temperature capability, atmospheric to 500o F Core Discharge conditions: Pressure: Ambient to 40 psia; Flow: 0-500 lbm/sec; Temperature: Ambient to 1,490o F Bypass Discharge conditions: Pressure: 2-40 psia; Flow: 0-250 lbm/sec; Temperature: Ambient to 1,200o F 3rd Stream Discharge conditions: Pressure: 2-40 psia; Flow: 0-125 lbm/sec; Temperature: Ambient to 700o F Data Acquisition Channels: Digital (performance) 1150 Digital high-speed channels: 32 @ 1.2 MSPS/channel; 256 @ 0.256 MSPS/channel Purpose: Perform aerodynamic and aeromechanical research on full-scale, multi-stage, oneor two-spool exploratory and advanced development fans and compressors. Products: Multistage forward sweep technology for high performance fans and compressors Advanced optical surface pressure and temperature measurement technology Verification of advanced (national) computational fluid dynamics codes Development of inlet flow field measurement standards for High Cycle Fatigue test and evaluation Unique test data sets of advanced fans and compressors developed under IHPTET