See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/349654016

Axial Compressor Mean-Line Analysis: Choking Modelling and Fully-Coupled

Integration in Engine Performance Simulations

Article in International Journal of Turbomachinery Propulsion and Power · February 2021

DOI: 10.3390/ijtpp6010004

CITATIONS READS

4 893

4 authors:

Ioannis Kolias Alexios Alexiou

National Technical University of Athens National Technical University of Athens
6 PUBLICATIONS 36 CITATIONS 47 PUBLICATIONS 473 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Nikolaos Aretakis Konstantinos Mathioudakis

National Technical University of Athens National Technical University of Athens
64 PUBLICATIONS 678 CITATIONS 150 PUBLICATIONS 2,389 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Alexios Alexiou on 01 March 2021.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Article

Axial Compressor Mean-Line Analysis: Choking Modelling

and Fully-Coupled Integration in Engine Performance
Simulations
Ioannis Kolias, Alexios Alexiou, Nikolaos Aretakis and Konstantinos Mathioudakis *

Laboratory of Thermal Turbomachines, School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of

Athens, 15780 Athens, Greece; [email protected] (I.K.); [email protected] (A.A.);
[email protected] (N.A.)
* Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: A mean-line compressor performance calculation method is presented that covers the en-
tire operating range, including the choked region of the map. It can be directly integrated into over-
all engine performance models, as it is developed in the same simulation environment. The code
materializing the model can inherit the same interfaces, fluid models, and solvers, as the engine
cycle model, allowing consistent, transparent, and robust simulations. In order to deal with conver-
gence problems when the compressor operates close to or within the choked operation region, an
approach to model choking conditions at blade row and overall compressor level is proposed. The
choked portion of the compressor characteristics map is thus numerically established, allowing full
knowledge and handling of inter-stage flow conditions. Such choking modelling capabilities are
illustrated, for the first time in the open literature, for the case of multi-stage compressors. Integra-
tion capabilities of the 1D code within an overall engine model are demonstrated through steady
state and transient simulations of a contemporary turbofan layout. Advantages offered by this ap-
Citation: Kolias, I.; Alexiou, A.; proach are discussed, while comparison of using alternative approaches for representing compres-
Aretakis, N.; Mathioudakis, K. Axial sor performance in overall engine models is discussed.
Compressor Mean-Line Analysis:
Choking Modelling and Keywords: axial compressor; mean-line analysis; choke modelling; 0D/1D coupling
Fully-Coupled Integration in Engine
Performance Simulations. Int. J.
Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtpp6010004
1. Introduction

Received: 28 December 2020

Development of gas turbine engines is a highly iterative procedure that involves dif-
Accepted: 23 February 2021 ferent disciplines [1]. The first step in the development of a new engine is the preliminary
Published: 26 February 2021 design phase, where different concepts and configurations are assessed at design and off-
design, steady-state and transient conditions, for identifying the optimum one that fulfills
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neu- the respective performance and installation requirements. The choice is guided by seeking
tral with regard to jurisdictional optimality, while not violating a number of performance, aerodynamic, structural, and
claims in published maps and insti- installation constraints. Of all engine components, the compressor is probably the most
tutional affiliations. important and critical one due to the flow physics involved. A good compressor design is
essential for achieving the desired performance and operating range. Performance at a
wide range of operating conditions has thus to be accurately evaluated and accounted for,
as early as possible during the design of a new engine.
Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. During the early design stages, the need for fast and reliable multi-fidelity and multi-
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
disciplinary platforms (e.g., [2,3]), has made compressor mean-line (1D) models a valua-
This article is an open access article
ble tool for the designer. They allow studying the effects of heat transfer [4], water evap-
distributed under the terms and
oration, novel combustion concepts [5], and low-power operation on compressor aerody-
conditions of the Creative Commons
namics [6]. In contrast to higher fidelity tools [such as 2D or fully 3D Computational Fluid
Attribution (CC BY) license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses
Dynamics (CFD) codes], 1D tools are fast, have acceptable accuracy if appropriately tuned
/by/4.0/).
[5], need only a few geometry inputs, and don’t need an expert user to set-up the model

Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtpp6010004 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijtpp

Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 2 of 24

and calculation case. They allow designers to easily capture compressor performance
trends and evaluate the effect of compressor aerodynamics on overall engine perfor-
mance. For this reason, although they first appeared a long time ago, they remain of cur-
rent interest and are the subject of research efforts today (e.g., [5–7]).
Mean-line codes use physically consistent modelling to capture compressor flow
physics and predict performance at different conditions, using correlations and high-level
indices of blade row performance. The nature of the equations they use leads to conver-
gence problems, when the compressor works at or beyond choking conditions. Even mod-
ern 1D codes employing the approach introduced long ago, for instance in [8], still use a
“pre-processing” step for determining the useful operating range “manually”. The inlet
mass flow rate changes incrementally until the code producing a compressor map fails to
converge as the inlet mass flow approaches or reaches the choking value. One such exam-
ple is a NASA code named “OTAC” (Object-oriented Turbomachinery Analysis Code)
[9,10], that conducts mean-line or stream-line design and off-design performance calcula-
tions, for radial- or axial-flow turbomachines. For a speed-line, the flow where one (or
more) compressor blade rows choke is taken equal to the value for which the code fails to
converge [10]. In another code for compressor mean-line calculations, also developed at
NASA [11], the working mass flow range is determined iteratively by varying the inci-
dence angle of the first rotor row and for any given speed the maximum flow is identified
when the code fails to converge.
Attempts to modify the set of mean-line equations so that turbomachinery perfor-
mance models can work without convergence problems within the choked portion of the
map have been demonstrated successfully only on multi-stage turbines [12]. Because of
the more complicated nature of the flow involved, the real challenge in modelling com-
pressor choke “lies primarily in understanding the mechanisms causing it”, as stated by
Hendricks in [12]. In that direction, various efforts were made to model compressor chok-
ing. Arolla et al. [13] described a low-order approach for modelling the blade row throat
passage choke for subsonic and supersonic inlet conditions. They also proposed a method
for producing the vertical portion on the characteristics map, by introducing additional
losses at the last choked blade row until the compressor back pressure was attained or a
downstream blade row choked. They demonstrated successfully the application of their
method on a single-stage fan. Cadrecha et al. [14], used simple flow equations to first iden-
tify the conditions (in terms of flow Mach number) that lead blade rows and ducts to
choke. They then formulated a bisection method for solving the system of mean-line equa-
tions at subsonic, supersonic, and choke conditions. They also described a modelling ap-
proach for extending the choked portion of the map characteristics where they increased
the losses of the duct following a choked blade row, until the last row or the compressor
exit chokes. The proposed methods were exemplified on a “dummy” geometrical model
of a multi-stage turbine with zero losses and demonstrated for the case of a single-stage
compressor for which a performance map was produced for three rotational speeds.
In the present paper, a Mean-Line Code (MLC) is developed that combines and ex-
tends the modelling approaches of [13,14] for choke modelling. Choke is examined by
considering both throat and flow annulus (in [13,14] the one or the other alone is consid-
ered). Appropriate indices are introduced to quantify how far any blade row or annulus
operates from choke. The maximum flow the compressor can deliver is established by
zeroing these indices using a robust numerical procedure. Overall, a physically consistent,
transparent, and fully automated procedure is proposed, for producing the entire com-
pressor performance map. For the first time in the open literature, multi-stage compressor
maps are generated with inter-stage flow features captured in the full operating range,
including the “vertical” part of the characteristics.
The developed MLC can be integrated in an overall gas turbine engine model, replac-
ing the traditional performance maps. Such a replacement offers possibilities for more
accurately representing overall engine performance, while it provides additional flexibil-
ities for handling effects that are very cumbersome to introduce when legacy maps are
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 3 of 24

employed. Example effects of this type are map variability versus inlet temperature, var-
iable geometry, variable inter-stage bleeds, water ingestion or inter-stage injection, incor-
poration of heat transfer effects at stage level.
Although mean line codes have been presented in the public literature, there are no
cases where such a code is developed, integrated, and used for simulation in a 0D cycle
analysis in a consistent, transparent and robust way similar to that of conventional 0D
components. Typically, 0D and 1D codes are developed independently of each other
(sometimes using different programming languages, gas caloric properties, solvers, etc.),
which results in thermodynamic and numerical inconsistencies between them. NASA’s
code OTAC [9,10] is an exception to this, but up to now there has been no publication
demonstrating its coupling with an engine model. Generally, there are three approaches
for coupling the 1D (or higher fidelity) and 0D cycle analysis codes [15,16]:
• De-coupled: the higher fidelity code is used to generate compressor characteristics
which are then used as data in the conventional 0D cycle code (e.g., [3]).
• Semi-coupled: An iterative scheme is implemented, where the 0D cycle analysis pro-
vides boundary conditions to the 1D code and then the 0D component performance
is updated according to the higher fidelity results. This loop is repeated until 0D and
1D performance is matched within a user-defined tolerance (e.g., [17]).
• Fully-coupled: The higher fidelity component is fully integrated in the cycle analysis
(e.g., as an external object) directly replacing the corresponding 0D component [18].
In the de-coupled approach, the mathematical formulation of the 0D cycle analysis is
not affected, but the map is valid for the geometry and secondary effects (bleed-off takes,
inlet temperature, heat transfer, water injection/ingestion) for which the map is generated,
while map interpolation reduces accuracy. Semi- or fully-coupled approaches necessitate
a change in the mathematical formulation of the conventional cycle model and/or the
model building logic, which can affect simulation robustness. The exchange of infor-
mation between the codes impacts speed of execution. In the fully-coupled approach, map
interpolation is not needed, avoiding thus accuracy compromise.
A versatile fully-coupled approach for integrating a mean-line code in an engine
model is proposed in the present paper. A 1D code is developed as a stand-alone compo-
nent in the same environment as 0D components and uses the same interface and func-
tions for numerical, working fluid model and thermodynamic calculations. This ensures
modelling homogeneity and mathematical robustness during mixed-fidelity calculations
while facilitating code extendibility and maintainability. The component can operate ei-
ther as 0D or 1D, preserving the mathematical formulation of existing 0D performance
calculations and handling choking at component and engine level, and accounts for
changes in geometry and bleed off-takes. Gas modelling with either variable or constant
gas properties can be selected, if execution speed up is needed, e.g., during optimization
and design space exploration studies.
The implementation is exemplified through steady state and transient simulations of
a turbofan model at both altitude and sea-level conditions where the component is used
as the high-pressure compressor (HPC), for both 0D and 1D modes.
In the following, the 1D modelling and the methodology for modeling compressor
choking and generating the map are first presented, followed by the description of how
the component produced is integrated in an engine level.

2. Mean-Line Code (MLC)

The Mean-Line Code for performance analysis of axial-flow, multi-row compressors,
was developed and validated in the same environment as the conventional 0D compo-
nents for turbomachinery performance simulations, used to build overall engine models.
The environment used was the Propulsion Object Oriented SImulation Software (PROO-
SIS) with its TURBO library [19,20]. Existing 0D compressor components were extended
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 4 of 24

to add the 1D capability. The new component developed inherites the same fluid and me-
chanical interfaces to enable interconnections with other components and/or systems, and
the same functions for numerical, fluid flow, and thermodynamic properties calculations.
A transparent integration in engine cycle analysis calculations, without affecting the
mathematical formulation and the simulation robustness, is thus ensured. A brief descrip-
tion of the 1D modelling is given below.
For known compressor geometry [i.e., flow annulus hub and tip radii, basic dimen-
sions of blades and blade metal angles at leading (LE) and trailing edges (TE)], inlet flow
conditions (𝑚 , 𝑇 , , 𝑝 , ), and compressor speed (𝑁), the MLC calculates the compres-
sor exit total pressure and temperature by conducting a row-by-row calculation, applying
loss and deviation models for individual blade rows. The building blocks of MLC are the
Blade Row Module (BRM) modelling individual blade rows, and the Inter-Volume Mod-
ule (IVM), modelling the duct after a blade row.
In the IVM, gas bleeds are applied through mass and gas composition continuity,
annulus radius changes are taken into account through a moment of momentum balance,
while heat transfer, water-vapor injection (i.e., gas mixing), and pressure loss effects have
also been foreseen. BRM models any type of blade row [rotor, stator, inlet guide vanes
(IGVs), of variable or fixed geometry] and establishes the row outlet conditions by solving
iteratively the set of equations formed by mass and gas composition continuity, the con-
servation of energy, and loss and deviation correlations introduced to calculate the flow
across the row. More specifically, the aerodynamic performance of diffusing rows is mod-
elled in terms of Lieblein’s diffusion and equivalent diffusion factors [21], where the de-
sign incidence and deviation angles are calculated using Herrig’s and Lieblein’s correla-
tions [21], respectively. The blade row deviation angle (𝛿) and, thus, outlet flow angle, is
estimated using Swan’s model [22]. Across a row, the Euler pump equation for rotors or
the conservation of total enthalpy for stators gives the outlet total enthalpy, while the exit
total pressure is estimated using a total pressure loss coefficient (𝜔). In 𝜔, profile, second-
ary, and endwall losses are accounted for according to Aungier [21], clearance losses are
modelled using the simplified model of Lakshminarayana [23], shock losses are calculated
according to Steinke’s shock model [24], while Mach and Reynolds number effects are
taken into account following Aungier [21] and Koch et al. [25], respectively. For IGVs, 𝛿
and 𝜔 are calculated according to Banjac et al. [26]. The loss and deviation models used
in MLC are fully tunable through appropriate scalars, the value of which can either be the
default one, a user input, or evaluated numerically. The code is also fully scalable, in the
sense that the user can switch on or off any of the above loss sources, and can easily intro-
duce customized loss and deviation models. A summary of the default loss and deviation
correlations mentioned above can be found in Appendix A.
Finally, the code has the possibility to perform calculations with variable or constant
gas properties for each blade row. In the latter case, specific heats ratio (𝛾) and specific
heat capacity (𝑐 ) for a blade row, are calculated based on appropriate local temperatures.
It was found that the results of such calculations are very close to those of using the full
gas model when the blade row inlet temperature for stators, and average inlet-outlet tem-
peratures for rotors 𝑇 + 𝑇 )/2, is employed. The local temperature at any station along
the compressor is evaluated by assuming that each stage, 𝑖, achieves the same tempera-
ture rise ∆𝑇 , , which is given by the following formula:
)/
𝑃𝑅 −1 𝑇,
∆𝑇 , = (1)
𝛧
assuming a polytropic efficiency of 𝜂 = 90%, 𝛾 = 1.4, and the compressor design pres-
sure ratio value as the average total pressure ratio 𝑃𝑅. Only the thermodynamic proper-
ties are calculated using the local 𝛾 and 𝑐 , instead of using the full expressions of fluid
and thermodynamic models that calculate gas properties as function of temperature and
gas composition. The magnitude of differences of the results using the two approaches
will be presented in the results section.
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 5 of 24

3. Choke Modelling
A 1D compressor model for off-design performance analysis must be able to deter-
mine not only the maximum flow a compressor can deliver, but also the performances
over the choked region of operation. Convergence problems in obtaining the solution of
the mean-line equations near or beyond choked conditions, must be resolved [12,14].
In the present paper, choke conditions are modelled by introducing indices that
quantify the “distance” of an operating point along a speed-line from the corresponding
limiting value. For this reason, four dedicated indices are defined, three at blade row level
and one at compressor level. An appropriate functional of these indices is defined, which
is numerically zeroed for estimating the choked mass flow. Once the maximum mass flow
for a speed-line is obtained, the choked part of the map characteristics is established. The
procedure followed is presented below.

3.1. Indices for Annulus and Throat Passage Choke Modelling

For modelling annulus choke, three indices are defined, two at each blade row and
one at compressor exit:
𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 , = 𝑚∗ − 𝑚 )⁄𝑚∗ (2)

𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 , = 𝑚∗ − 𝑚 )⁄𝑚∗ (3)

𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 = 𝑚∗ − 𝑚 )⁄𝑚∗ (4)

Indices “𝑏𝑟, 𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑛” and “𝑏𝑟, 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑎𝑛” express, respectively, how far is the actual mass
flow that passes through the blade row inlet and outlet annuli from the choked one, while
index “𝑒𝑥” expresses the same condition for the compressor exit. In each equation, the
choked mass flow is calculated from local critical properties:
𝑚∗ = 𝜌∗ 𝑊 ∗ 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽 (5)

where 𝐴 is the flow annulus cross-sectional area, and the critical static density and sonic
velocity are calculated for the local total pressure and temperature conditions.
Modelling of the blade row throat passage choke was achieved by introducing one
more index:
index , = 𝛽 − 𝛽∗ )⁄𝛽∗ (6)

This quantity indicates how far the actual flow angle 𝛽 is from a minimum value,
𝛽∗ , below which the blade row throat passage chokes. For calculating the critical blade
row inlet flow angle, 𝛽∗ , two flow conditions were considered at the blade row inlet: sub-
sonic and supersonic. For modelling them, the approach of Cumpsty and Freeman [27,28]
was followed, as presented in Appendix B.
A schematic diagram of the flow stations where the choke indices are defined and
estimated is shown in Figure 1 below. For any set of compressor inlet conditions (𝑚 ,
𝑇 , , 𝑝 , ) and 𝑁, MLC also estimates index . , index , , and index , for every
blade row, and index for the compressor exit. For a compressor to operate away from
choke all indices, Equations (2)–(4) and Equation (6), should be positive.
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 6 of 24

Figure 1. Schematic representation of the flow stations where the choke indices are defined.

3.2. Estimating Choke Point

Α secant method is used to establish numerically the compressor choking mass flow
rate, since it was found to be the most robust. For any compressor speed 𝑁 and inlet con-
ditions 𝑇 , , 𝑝 , , the secant method updates the compressor inflow, 𝑚 , until the func-
tional G of Equation (7) is zeroed or two successive estimates for 𝑚 differ less than a
specified tolerance,
𝐺 = index −𝜀 (7)

where 𝜀 > 0 a number with small value set by the user and index is the global mini-
mum index:

index = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 index , ∀

, |index | (8)

where the minimum index for the blade row, index , , is:
𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 , = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 , , 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 , , 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 , (9)

To avoid numerical solutions in the windmiling region of compressor operation, a

constraint is also imposed to the overall total pressure ratio, which should be greater than
a minimum, user-specified value 𝑃𝑅 > 1.

3.3. Choked Part of a Speed-Line

The choked part of a speed-line is vertical to the mass flow axis, since it is character-
ized by a constant corrected mass flow rate. A mean-line calculation should provide the
flow characteristics, pressure, temperature, velocity magnitude and direction, at the inlet
and outlet of each blade row, along a multistage compressor flow path for operation in
this part. The approach we follow for determining these quantities, when the compressor
pressure ratio becomes lower than its value at the onset of choke, was based on the as-
sumption that the flow pattern in the part of the compressor downstream of the choked
row will be formed so that pressure losses are such that the outlet pressure matches a back
pressure specified. Thus, the flow before the choked row is considered frozen, pressure
losses are incrementally added to the choked blade row, and the flow along the down-
stream blade rows is computed until the compressor back pressure is attained or a down-
stream row becomes choked. If the compressor back pressure is not reached, but a down-
stream row chokes, then the same procedure is repeated for the new choked row. This
approach is similar to the one used by Arolla et al. [13], who applied it to the case of a
single-stage fan, but gave no insight as to how the flow conditions will evolve when choke
occurs along a multi-stage compressor.
For a compressor map to be generated, the last point on the vertical portion of the
map characteristics that corresponds to the minimum pressure ratio the compressor can
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 7 of 24

attain operating at the maximum 𝑚 , is established first. Starting from the first choked
blade row, an iterative scheme is employed that modifies the losses of the choked row
until a downstream row chokes. The same procedure is then repeated successively for
every downstream row that chokes until, eventually, the compressor exit becomes
choked. In any case, the last pressure ratio is taken equal to the maximum value between
the 𝑃𝑅 established in the above iterative procedure, and a user-defined value 𝑃𝑅 >1
for avoiding solutions in the windmiling regime. Finally, the vertical portion of the map
characteristic is refined for any user-defined number of pressure ratio values between the
first and the last one, following the algorithmic logic shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Mean-Line Code (MLC) flow-chart to establish the 1D performance in the choked region.

4. 1D Component Model for Integration in 0D Cycle Analysis

In its simplest form, a conventional 0D compressor component (Figure 3a) establishes
performance by reading a set of tables (a map) that return corrected mass flow rate (𝑚 ),
isentropic efficiency (𝜂) and pressure ratio (𝑃𝑅) for given values of the auxiliary map pa-
rameter (BETA) [29] and corrected speed relative to design (NcRdes). BETA is an inde-
pendent (or algebraic) variable at engine model level that the numerical solver (e.g., New-
ton-Raphson) adjusts in order to ensure consistent operation of engine components [30].
MLC, on the other hand, requires mass flow rate 𝑚 and compressor speed 𝑁 as in-
puts and returns 𝜂 and 𝑃𝑅. For this reason, the new component implements a two-step,
hybrid approach, enabling it to be used in either 1D or 0D mode (user-defined option),
while also maintaining the traditional 0D algorithmic logic when the 1D mode is em-
ployed. This requires the use of a map that is generated with the MLC through a dedicated
simulation case using the modelling approach described above. This is a necessary pre-
processing step before the component can be used. Actually, a multitude of maps are gen-
erated for a range of compressor inlet temperatures 𝑇 , [including of course the Interna-
tional Standard Atmosphere (ISA) conditions] in an effort to improve calculation accuracy
(irrespective of operating mode) since conventional gamma corrections [note that, typi-
cally a map is generated for a given compressor inlet temperature (e.g., at ISA conditions)
and gamma corrections are applied to account for the effects of different temperatures
during simulation] arenot sufficient [31]. Then, when the component workes in 1D mode,
BETA is still used as an algebraic variable for reading the map of the pre-processing step
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 8 of 24

to obtain a mass flow rate value 𝑚. Next, this 𝑚 value is used to execute the MLC and
derive the compressor performance (Figure 3b). The MLC-generated map provides the
required 𝑚 –BETA relationship, which otherwise would have to be established through
multiple MLC executions during every cycle calculation. Furthermore, the map acts as a
reference in order to correctly account for the current operating conditions, as will be ex-
plained in the following.

(a) (b)
Figure 3. Compressor performance using (a) conventional 0D and (b) new 0D/1D component.

During the pre-processing step, a table is also derived with the values of BETA (BE-
TAchoke) below which choking occurs. The independent variables for reading this table are
compressor corrected speed NcRdes and 𝑇 , . So, when the component operates in the
1D mode, the current value of BETA is compared with BETAchoke to determine if operation
is in the choked region or not.
If unchoked, the value of mass flow rate is obtained from the map (𝑚 ) for the
current BETA, NcRdes, and 𝑇 , . To account for changes between 1D performance for the
current compressor operating conditions and map (generated for some reference condi-
tions), the 1D code is executed once to find the first point in the choke line (𝑚∗ ) for the
current conditions (see Figure 4). A correction is then performed in the value of mass flow
𝑚 for which the 1D code is executed in the unchoked part to account for any shift (𝑚∗ −
𝑚∗ ) in the position of the choke line (compared to map value 𝑚 ).

Figure 4. Accounting for current operating conditions.

Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 9 of 24

On the other hand, if BETA < BETAchoke, the logic presented in Figure 2 is imple-
mented, where for 𝑚 = 𝑚∗ , the required 𝑃𝑅 is the one obtained from the map, but cor-
rected for the current compressor operating conditions, as illustrated in Figure 4. The al-
gorithm establishes the choked row losses that will result to the required compressor exit
pressure. The complete algorithmic logic of the new 0D/1D component is depicted in the
flowchart of Figure 5.

Figure 5. Algorithm flow chart to establish the auxiliary map parameter (BETA) for mass flow
compatibility.

5. Example Compressor Map Results

The MLC choke modelling and the 1D model integration capabilities are exemplified
using the geometries of two multi-stage compressors, NASA’s ISG-74A [32] and
NASA/GE’s E3 HPC [33]. NASA’s ISG-74A is a 3-stage transonic, high-speed compressor
developed and tested during the 80s, while NASA/GE’s E3 HPC is a 10-stage transonic,
high-speed, high-aerodynamic loading compressor developed and tested during the late
70s-early 80s. Basic geometry and performance details for both compressors are summa-
rized in Table 1.

Table 1. Basic geometry and performance information for the example multi-stage compressors.

NASA ISG-74A [32] NASA/GE E3 HPC [33]

Design Pressure Ratio 4.474 25
Design Inlet Mass Flow (kg/s) 29.71 54.40
Design Rotating Speed (rpm) 16042.3 12416.5
No. of Stages 3 10
No. of Rotor Rows 3 10
4 [including inlet guide
No. of Stator Rows 11 (including IGVs)
vanes (IGVs)]

Note that the default loss and deviation models used in MLC were mostly developed
on the basis of cascade tests in subsonic wind-tunnels during the early 50s and, hence,
they cannot capture the performance of current transonic compressors, as explained in [5].
MLC offers the capability of calibrating numerically these models for representing current
compressor aerodynamics. An example of reproducing a compressor map through such
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 10 of 24

a calibration is given in Figure 6 for NASA’s “Stage-35” [34]. Thus, it is shown that the
method proposed contains the flexibility to adapt to and correctly model the performance
of axial compressors. We will not further discuss this aspect of the method, since the focus
of the present work is to discuss the features of the process for establishing choked oper-
ation and its integration in engine models. Therefore, the geometries of the compressor
test cases used serve merely as a demonstration of the capabilities developed and not for
validating MLC against publicly available data. In what follows, MLC is executed with its
default loss and deviation models.

Figure 6. Comparison between MLC prediction and experimental map for NASA’s “Stage-35” [34]
compressor.

5.1. Choke Modelling

Choke modelling capability is demonstrated on the geometry of a 3-stage transonic
compressor [32], see Table 1. For easy reference in the discussion, the following designa-
tion is used for the compressor blade rows: IGV-R1-S1-R2-S2-R3-S3, where “R” stands for
rotors and “S” is for stators.
The map produced by the MLC is shown in Figure 7. It was produced for standard-
day conditions, assuming axial flow at the compressor inlet, zero bleed extractions, at the
design IGVs-stators setting. The choked mass flow rate was calculated using a value of
𝜀 = 0.001 in Equation (7), while a lower bound on the total pressure ratio of 𝑃𝑅 =
1.001 was imposed when establishing both the first and the last point on the choked por-
tion of the map characteristics. Between stall and choke, 𝑃𝑅 was calculated for 11 equally
distributed values of 𝑚 along each speed-line.

Figure 7. MLC pressure ratio map for the example 3-stage compressor geometry [32].
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 11 of 24

The lines that connect the respective first and last choke points on every speed-line
are also presented in Figure 7, defining the domain where the compressor operates at the
maximum inlet mass flow. For 𝑁/𝑁 = 20% and 30% the maximum flow is established
from the limiting pressure ratio value of 𝑃𝑅 = 1.001 and, therefore, no vertical portion
of the characteristics exists. The compressor works unchoked at these two speeds. Numer-
ically, this means that the secant method cannot zero the functional expressed in Equation
(7) for the value of 𝜀 = 0.001 while satisfying the constraint 𝑃𝑅 > 1.001. At both these
points, index , has the minimum value which is about two orders of magnitude
greater than the value of 𝜀 = 0.001 for which choking is assumed to numerically occur.
For 𝑁/𝑁 = 40%, there is a narrow region on the map characteristic where the compres-
sor can work at the maximum mass flow. Here, the compressor chokes for the first time
at the throat of S3, while the last choke point is established from the constraint 𝑃𝑅 =
1.001 which is met before the compressor exit annulus becomes choked. Table 2 summa-
rizes the rows and stations where the first and last choke points occur for the speed-lines
with 𝑁/𝑁 > 40%.

Table 2. MLC first and last choke point results for the example 3-stage compressor geometry [32].

𝑵/𝑵𝒅𝒆𝒔 First Choke Point Row-Station Last Choke Point Row-Station

50–85% S3-Throat Compressor exit
90–95% R3-Throat Compressor exit
100–105% R1-Throat Compressor exit

To illustrate in more detail how the first choke point is established numerically, the
85% speed-line is used as an example. In Figure 8, the choke indices values are plotted
against 𝑚 as it increases towards the choking value. Figure 8a shows the variation of
the global minimum index index ) and the variation of the minimum blade row in-
dex index , ) for all blade rows, while Figure 8b shows the variation of the individual
S3 indices, index , , index , , index , , and index , .

(a) (b)
Figure 8. Choke indices variation for the example 3-stage compressor geometry [32], for 𝑁/𝑁 = 85%: (a) Minimum
choke indices variation and (b) S3 individual choke indices variation against compressor inlet mass flow.

From Figure 8a, it is seen that index = index , for 𝑚 between 22 and 26 kg/s,
while in the same mass flow range the distance between index , and the values of all
other indices either increases or remains constant as 𝑚 increases. This means that, if the
compressor were to choke for a 𝑚 value between 22 and 26 kg/s, it would be due to R3
becoming choked. As, however, 𝑚 approaches the choking value ( 26.5 kg/s),
index , experiences an abrupt value drop and becomes less than index , . This in
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 12 of 24

turn results in an abrupt drop in the value of index , causing the compressor to even-
tually choke for the first time at S3 as its value becomes equal to that of index , . The
reason for the drop in index , value can be found in Figure 8b. It is observed that
index , = index , for 𝑚 between 22 and 26 kg/s and, using the same rationale
as before, if S3 were to choke for a 𝑚 in this range it would be due to the choking of the
row inlet flow annulus. However, the distance between index , and the other indices
decreases as the mass flow increases and, for a 𝑚 value slightly greater than 26 kg/s the
difference between index , and index , finally becomes negative, therefore caus-
ing the drop in index , value and S3 to choke at the passage throat instead as 𝑚
approaches the choking value.
The absolute flow Mach number at S3 inlet is shown to be subsonic, for all
22 𝑚 26 kg/s, in Figure 9a. As the flow Mach number increases, the minimum flow
angle required for the throat to become choked (𝛽∗ ) increases as well, while the absolute
flow angle at the inlet of S3 decreases until the two become equal within the specified
tolerance of 𝜀 = 0.001 and, therefore, the throat passage choking for S3 is realized for
subsonic conditions. This is in contrast, for instance, to the R1 throat passage choking for
𝑁/𝑁 = 100% where, as seen from Figure 9b, the relative flow Mach number at R1 inlet
is supersonic for 30 𝑚 32 kg/s and the throat passage chokes for supersonic condi-
tions with attached shocks.

(a) (b)
Figure 9. Throat passage choking for (a) S3 (at 85% compressor speed) and (b) R1 (at 100% compressor speed), for the
example 3-stage compressor geometry [32].

Τhe method to extend the choked part described in Section 3.3 is exemplified consid-
ering the speed-lines 100%, 102.5%, and 105%. In all three speed-lines, both the first and
last choke points occurred at the throat passage of R1 and the compressor exit, respec-
tively. Thus, these speed-lines were a good example for viewing how the choke point
moves from R1 (almost at the compressor inlet) until it reaches the compressor exit flow
annulus. Figure 10 shows the outcome of the procedure of the flow chart in Figure 2. It
shows the “iso-choke” lines that denote the different rows and stations that choke succes-
sively as the compressor 𝑃𝑅 is reduced. It is shown that choking advances from R1 to R2
to R3 to S3 until the compressor exit is reached and the minimum pressure ratio for which
the compressor can work is attained. For all blade rows, choking occurred at the respective
throat passage. For all three rotors, the flow regime at the respective inlet is supersonic
with attached shocks, while the flow at S3 inlet is subsonic. An overall pressure ratio map
showing the “iso-choke” lines for the case of the example 3-stage compressor geometry is
presented in Figure 11.
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 13 of 24

Figure 10. “Iso-choke” lines for the 100%, 102.5%, and 105% speed-lines for the example 3-stage
compressor geometry [32].

Figure 11. MLC pressure-ratio map for the example three-stage compressor geometry [32] show-
ing the “iso-choke” lines.

5.2. Example of MLC Integration in Engine Model

For demonstrating the integration and simulation of the newly developed 0D/1D
component in an engine performance model, the case of a two-spool, unmixed flow tur-
bofan engine was considered where the component is used for the HPC. Since the fluid
and mechanical interface of the component in hand is identical to the corresponding 0D
one, it can be connected to other relevant 0D components without any changes in the
model building procedure, as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 12.
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 14 of 24

Figure 12. Schematic diagram of turbofan model with 1D compressor component. In the same
diagram the components for representing the atmosphere (AMB), engine inlet (INL), fan (FAN),
low- (LPC) and high-pressure compressor (HPC), low- (LPT) and high-pressure turbine (HPT),
low- (LPS) and high-pressure shaft (HPS), burner (BRN), core (NCO) and bypass nozzle (NBP),
and interconnecting ducts (D13/25/30/45/50), are also shown.

Similarly, the mathematical formulation of this mixed-fidelity engine model is iden-

tical to the conventional 0D performance case, in terms of boundary conditions (only one
handle variable was required, e.g., thrust or fuel flow rate), algebraic (turbomachinery
component map parameters, bypass ratio, inlet mass flow rate) and dynamic (low and
high pressure spool rotational speeds) variables.
The 1D component was set to represent the NASA/GE E3 HPC as far as the necessary
stage, blade, and geometric input data required [33]. Following the pre-processing step, a
map (Figure 13) is generated for four compressor inlet temperatures, covering the ex-
pected range for the considered application (𝑇 , = 200, 288, 400, and 500 K). In fact the
map is a set of 3D tables describing 𝑚 , 𝜂 and 𝑃𝑅 in terms of BETA, NcRdes, and 𝑇 , .
In addition, the table of BETA for each corrected speed below which choking occurs is
produced (0.20 < BETAchoke < 0.27).

Figure 13. MLC generated map for different compressor inlet temperatures.

An engine design calculation was performed first in order to calculate at cruise con-
ditions (𝐴𝐿𝑇 = 10668 m, 𝑀 = 0.85) the scaling factors for the 0D map components [fan,
booster, high- (HP) and low-pressure (LP) turbines] and the throat areas of the convergent
bypass and core nozzles. The boundary variables in this calculation include the location
of the design point on the maps of the 0D map components, their polytropic efficiencies,
the pressure ratio values of the fan (bypass and core) and booster, the bypass ratio, the LP
spool rotational speed, and the turbine inlet temperature. To obtain a valid operating
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 15 of 24

point for the HPC, BETA and relative corrected speed were specified (in analogy to spec-
ifying the design point on the 0D map component). The values of the main engine cycle
parameters are included in Table 3.

Table 3. Selected engine cycle parameters at design point.

Parameter Value
Engine Net Thrust (kN) 59.2
Engine Overall Pressure Ratio (–) 56.1
Engine Bypass Ratio 8.85
Engine Specific Fuel Consumption (g/kN·s) 15.52
Engine Inlet Mass Flow Rate (kg/s) 463.5
Fuel Flow Rate (kg/s) 0.918
High-Pressure Compressor (HPC) Exit Mass Flow Rate (kg/s) 45.17
HPC Discharge Temperature (K) 896.6
HPC Isentropic Efficiency (-) 0.812
HPC Overall Pressure Ratio (-) 23.9
High-Pressure Spool Rotational Speed (rpm) 13,265.5
Combustor Exit Temperature (K) 1715
Exhaust Gas Temperature (K) 709.2

Off design simulations were then performed to generate a steady-state operating line
and a transient square cycle between low and high power conditions at both altitude
(𝐴𝐿𝑇 = 10668 m) and Sea-Level Static (SLS) conditions. Simulations are performed in
both 0D and 1D mode for the HPC component and in the latter case, for either variable or
constant gas properties. For simulations with constant 𝛾 and 𝑐 , an overall total pressure
ratio value was assumed equal to the HPC 𝑃𝑅 of the previous calculated point.
Figure 14 shows the variation of selected HPC and engine parameters with thrust
(control parameter) at SLS conditions, for four simulation options, presented in order of
increasing computational complexity:
1. 0D mode using single MLC-generated map at standard temperature of 𝑇 = 288 K.
2. 0D mode using MLC-generated maps according to actual HPC inlet temperature 𝑇 ,
3. 1D mode with constant 𝛾
4. 1D mode with variable gas properties
As the differences were small compared to the range of variation, the percentage dif-
ference of results from each of the first three cases from the last one is also shown.

(a) HPC Pressure Ratio, 𝑃𝑅 (b) HPC Isentropic Efficiency, 𝜂

Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 16 of 24

(c) Specific Fuel Consumption, 𝑆𝐹𝐶 (d) Exhaust Gas Temperature, 𝐸𝐺𝑇
Figure 14. Comparison of results at Sea-Level Static (SLS) steady state conditions.

As expected, the first option (0D map with single map) shows the largest differences
(up to −0.35%) from the 1D mode with variable gas properties. The other two are well
within ±0.1% (±0.05% for the 1D mode with constant γ). The use of 0D mode with 𝑇 , as
an extra dimension shows the importance of obtaining the compressor performance for
the actual inlet conditions and justifies the need for the 1D mode, since otherwise the 0D
mode would require the generation and use of multi-dimensional tables/maps, where all
possible combinations of compressor operation are included (variable geometry, bleeds,
evaporation, etc.). Finally, the use of the 1D mode with constant γ proves to be an accepta-
ble surrogate of the mode with variable gas properties, as it does not compromise the
accuracy of calculations while it executes much faster. In our calculation, it was approxi-
mately 45% faster compared to the MLC with variable gas properties and in a desktop PC
(Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Intel® CoreTM2 Duo CPU at 3GHz with 8GB RAM) required less
than 5 s for a complete engine simulation to converge to a tolerance of less than 10−6. In
comparison, the 0D mode executes in less than 0.05 s.
Repeating the same simulations at flying altitude (𝐴𝐿𝑇 = 10668 m, 𝑀 = 0.85), simi-
lar levels of differences were observed between the different modes, as for the SLS simu-
lations. This is demonstrated in Figure 15a for the HPC pressure ratio. However, at these
conditions, there are operating points in the region of the map where the corrected speed
iso-lines are almost vertical, Figure 15b. As a result, map interpolation causes a fluctuating
variation of differences between 0D and 1D modes in this region. Furthermore, it is in this
region that the mass flow rate correction presented in Figure 4 makes the MLC execution
possible since otherwise even a small difference in mass flow rate can produce a value
that is outside the working range of the 1D code.
Transient simulations at flight and SLS conditions produce similar results to the
steady state ones, with differences again being slightly larger at altitude. The variation
with time of the differences between the 0D (using 𝑇 , ) and 1D (variable properties)
modes for selected compressor and engine parameters is shown in Figure 16a for cruise
conditions. The differences show peaks during the acceleration and deceleration parts of
the simulation, which is again attributed to map interpolation, especially since in the latter
case the operating line is in the region of the map where the speed iso-lines are almost
vertical, Figure 16b.
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 17 of 24

(a) (b)
Figure 15. Results at steady state cruise conditions. (a) Variation of selected HPC with thrust; (b) MLC pressure ratio
map.

(a) (b)
Figure 16. Results at transient cruise conditions. (a) The variation with time of the differences between the 0D (using
𝑇 , ) and 1D (variable properties) modes for selected compressor and engine parameters; (b) MLC pressure ratio map

Finally, transition from the unchoked to the choked region and operation in the
choked region was simulated at compressor component level only using the HPC 0D/1D
component of the engine model. This was accomplished by simply specifying (at ISA con-
ditions) a value for corrected speed NcRdes and a range of BETA values (a total of 55
values) starting from a value in the unchoked region (BETA = 0.6) to a value in the choked
region (BETA = 0.05). The component was operated in both 0D and 1D mode for two val-
ues of NcRdes; one which is present in the map data (95%) and one that is between existing
values (96.3%). At these NcRdes values, BETAchoke = 0.25. The setup of the simulation case
was identical for both modes, meaning that choking was handled automatically in 1D
mode as in 0D mode. Figure 17 shows the operating points on the map for each of the four
cases (0D and 1D modes for the two NcRdes values). For the NcRdes value present in the
map data (95%), the results of both 0D and 1D modes overlap on the map speed line and
demonstrate that the 1D mode is capable to transition from the unchoked to the choked
region and work in the choked region. This is also shown for the other NcRdes value
(96.3%), although map interpolation causes visible differences between the two modes,
thus highlighting one of the 0D approach limitations.
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 18 of 24

Figure 17. Operating points in map for 0D and 1D mode showing transition to choked region.

6. Conclusions
A method for modelling multistage compressor performance using a mean-line ap-
proach, covering the entire operating region that includes choked operation has been pre-
sented. The method was materialized through the development of a dedicated component
in a computational environment used for gas turbine engine modelling. The approach
followed allows the integration of the mean-line model at engine level, without changing
the mathematical model boundary and algebraic variables of conventional 0D map archi-
tecture.
To deal with convergence problems, posed by the simplistic nature of the mean-line
equations when the compressor works near or beyond choking conditions, a formulation
was developed and implemented to model choking at blade row and compressor level.
Furthermore, the capability was added to allow the component developed to work in both
1D and 0D modes, even within the same simulation case. The 1D component is capable of
working in both the unchoked and choked regions, without any changes to the mathe-
matical model, while the transition from one region to the other is transparent to the user.
In addition, the calculation of the choke point for the current compressor operating con-
ditions allowed a correction to be made during 1D model execution so that the influence
of any secondary effects can be taken into account. The option to perform calculations at
cascade level with constant 𝛾 was added using only one variable (the compressor aver-
age pressure ratio) to specify an average cascade temperature for which 𝛾 is calculated
(instead only of the inlet temperature).
Choking modelling of this level was shown, for the first time in the open literature,
for the case of a multi-stage compressor for which a performance map was generated in
the whole operating range. As shown, choking is calculated in a transparent way, allow-
ing the user to know any-time where along the flow path choking has occurred and what
conditions caused it.
Finally, the integration capabilities of the developed component were verified
through steady state and transient simulations of a turbofan model at both altitude and
SLS conditions where the new component was used as the engine’s HPC in both 0D and
1D mode. Operation in the choked region and the transition from one region to the other
was demonstrated at component level. In terms of simulation times, the execution of the
1D mode with constant 𝛾 and 𝑐 halved execution time without affecting the accuracy
of the results compared to the 1D mode with variable gas properties.
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 19 of 24

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, I.K., A.A., N.A., and K.M.; methodology, I.K. and A.A.;
software, I.K., A.A., and N.A.; validation, I.K., A.A., and N.A.; formal analysis, I.K. and A.A.; in-
vestigation, I.K. and A.A.; resources, I.K. and A.A.; data curation, I.K., A.A., and N.A.; writing—
original draft preparation, I.K. and A.A.; writing—review and editing, I.K., A.A., K.M., and N.A.;
visualization, I.K and A.A.; supervision, N.A. and K.M.; project administration, K.M. and N.A.;
funding acquisition, K.M. and N.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of
the manuscript.
Funding: This research received partial funding by SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES and own re-
courses.
Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this study are available on request from the
corresponding author.
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to express their thanks to SAFRAN AIRCRAFT EN-
GINES for supporting the work that led to this paper and for allowing its publication. Thanks are
expressed to J. Ruiz for many useful comments and discussions.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Nomenclature
Abbreviations
0,1,2,3D 0,1,2,3-Dimensional
AMB Ambient
BRM Blade Row Module
BRN Burner
CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics
D13/25/30/45/50 Interconnecting ducts
GE General Electric
HP High-Pressure
HPC High-Pressure Compressor
HPS High-Pressure Shaft
HPT High-Pressure Turbine
IGV Inlet Guide Vane
INL Engine Inlet
ISA International Standard Atmosphere
IVM Inter-Volume Module
LE Leading Edge
LP Low-Pressure
LPC Low-Pressure Compressor
LPS Low-Pressure Shaft
LPT Low-Pressure Turbine
MLC Mean-Line Code
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NBP Bypass Nozzle
NCO Core Nozzle
OTAC Object-oriented Turbomachinery Analysis Code
PROOSIS Propulsion Object Oriented SImulation Software
R/S Rotor/Stator
SLS Sea-Level Static
TE Trailing Edge
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 20 of 24

Symbols
𝑨 Area (m2)
𝑨𝑳𝑻 Altitude (m)
𝜷 Flow angle relative to frame of reference (o)
𝜸 Specific heats ratio (–); stagger angle (o) (for loss and deviation correlations)
𝜹 Deviation angle (o)
𝜹𝒄 Radial clearance (m)
𝜺 User-defined tolerance (𝜺 > 𝟎)
𝜼 Compressor overall isentropic efficiency (–)
𝜼𝒑 Compressor overall polytropic efficiency (–)
𝜽 Blade camber angle (o)
𝝂 Prandtl-Meyer function (o)
𝝆 Flow density (kg/m3)
𝜿 Blade metal angle w.r.t. axial direction (o)
𝝈 Blade row solidity (–)
𝝎 Total pressure loss coefficient (–)
𝒂 Position of blade maximum camber (m)
𝑨𝑽𝑫𝑹 Axial Velocity Density Ratio (–)
𝒃 Blade row throat width for a single passage (m)
𝒄𝒑 Heat capacity at constant pressure (J/kgK)
𝒄 Blade chord length (m)
𝑪𝑳 Blade lift coefficient (–)
BETA Auxiliary map parameter (–)
𝑫𝑭𝒆𝒒 Equivalent diffusion factor (–)
𝑬𝑮𝑻 Exhaust Gas Temperature (K)
𝑭, 𝑮 Function/ Functional
𝑭𝑵 Net Thrust (N)
𝒉 Blade height (m)
𝒊 Stage number (–); incidence angle (o)
𝒈 Distance between two blades measured normal to chord line (m)
𝒎 Mass flow rate (kg/s)
𝑴 Flow Mach number (–)
𝑵 Compressor mechanical rotational speed (rpm)
NcRdes Corrected speed relative to design (–)
𝒑 Pressure (Pa)
𝑷𝑹 Total Pressure Ratio (–)
𝑹 Gas constant (J/kgK)
𝒔 Blade row pitch length (m)
𝑺𝑭𝑪 Specific Fuel Consumption (g/kN·s)
𝒕 Blade thickness (m)
𝑻 Temperature (K)
𝑾 Flow velocity relative to frame of reference (m/s)
𝜡𝒔𝒕𝒈 Number of stages (–)
Sub-/Super-scripts
1,2 Blade row inlet (1) and outlet (2)
𝒃𝒓 Blade row
𝒄 Corrected
𝒅𝒆𝒔 Design conditions
𝒆𝒙 Compressor exit
𝒊𝒏 Compressor inlet
𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏 Blade row inlet flow annulus
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 21 of 24

𝑳𝑬 Blade Leading Edge

𝒎𝒂𝒑 Map quantity
𝒎𝒊𝒏 Minimum
𝒔𝒕𝒅 Standard-day conditions
𝒕 Total conditions
𝒕𝒉 Blade row throat
𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏 Blade row outlet flow annulus
𝒘 Quantity relative to frame of reference
* Choke conditions; design conditions (for loss and deviation correlations)

Appendix A. MLC Loss and Deviation Models

A summary of the default loss and deviation correlations used in MLC is given in
Table A1.

Table A1. MLC loss and deviation correlations summary.

Reference Correlation Formula

[21] Design incidence 𝒊∗ = 𝒊 𝜽, 𝝈, 𝜷𝟏 , 𝒕⁄𝒄, 𝒂⁄𝒄)
[21] Design deviation 𝜹∗ = 𝜹 𝜽, 𝝈, 𝜷𝟏 , 𝒕⁄𝒄)
[22] Off-design deviation 𝜹 = 𝜹 𝑴𝒘𝟏 , 𝑫𝑭𝒆𝒒
[26] IGVs off-design deviation 𝜹 = 𝜹 𝑴𝟏 , 𝜽, 𝝈, 𝜸, 𝑨𝑽𝑫𝑹, 𝒕⁄𝒄)
Design profile loss corrected for Mach (𝒔𝑴𝒂 , 𝒂𝑴𝒂 ) and Reynolds
[21,25] 𝝎∗𝒑𝒓 = 𝒂𝑴𝒂 + 𝒔𝑴𝒂 𝒔𝑹𝒆 𝒂𝑹𝒆 + 𝝎 𝑫𝑭𝒆𝒒
(𝒔𝑹𝒆 , 𝒂𝑹𝒆 ) number effects
[21] Off-design profile loss 𝝎𝒑𝒓 = 𝝎∗𝒑𝒓 𝒇 𝒊 − 𝒊∗ )
[24] Shock loss 𝝎𝒔𝒉 = 𝝎 𝑴𝒘𝟏 , 𝝈, 𝜷𝟏 , 𝜷𝟐 )
[21] Secondary loss 𝝎𝒔𝒄 = 𝝎 𝑪𝑳 , 𝝈, 𝜷𝟏 , 𝜷𝟐 )
[21] Endwall loss 𝝎𝒆𝒘 = 𝝎 𝒔⁄𝒉, 𝝈, 𝜷𝟏 , 𝜷𝟐 )
[23] Clearance loss 𝝎𝒄𝒍 = 𝝎 𝑪𝑳 , 𝒔, 𝒉⁄𝒄 , 𝜹𝒄 , 𝝈, 𝜷𝟏 , 𝜷𝟐 )
[21] Overall loss 𝝎 = 𝝎𝒑𝒓 + 𝝎𝒔𝒉 + 𝝎𝒔𝒄 + 𝝎𝒆𝒘 + 𝝎𝒄𝒍
[26] IGVs overall loss 𝝎 = 𝝎 𝑴𝟏 , 𝜽, 𝝈, 𝜸, 𝒕⁄𝒄)

Appendix B. Blade Row Throat Passage Choke Modelling

For modelling the blade row throat passage choking, two possible flow conditions at
blade row inlet were examined, i.e., subsonic and supersonic. The relevant equations,
used by Cumpsty and Freeman [27,28] for modelling subsonic and supersonic throat pas-
sage choking, are presented.
Choking when the inlet flow to the blade row is subsonic is determined using the
simplified analysis described by Cumpsty in [27]. When the flow angle at the blade row
inlet is reduced, then the mass flow through the throat passage increases and a minimum
angle value can be obtained for which the blade row becomes choked. This value for 𝛽∗
is obtained using the following equation:

𝛾−1 )
𝑏 1+
=𝑀 2 (A1)
𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽∗ 𝛾−1
1+ 𝛭
2
For the supersonic inlet flow case, two possible sub-cases are identified: supersonic
with detached shocks and supersonic with attached shocks. For the first case, the super-
sonic inlet flow leads to the formation of bow shocks that are detached from the blade row
LE. For this case, the modelling proposed in [27,28] was used for obtaining 𝛽∗ . Following
a relatively simple control-volume analysis for the conservation of mass, momentum, and
energy between the blade row inlet and the throat passage, and assuming that the throat
is choked, Cumpsty and Freeman [27,28] arrived at the following relation, for establishing
𝛽∗ :
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 22 of 24

𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜅 𝛾−1 𝛾−1 1 + 𝛾 1 − 𝑡/𝑔) (A2)

+ 𝛾𝛭 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽∗ − 𝜅 ) = 𝑀 1+ 𝛭 1+
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽∗ 2 2 1 − 𝑡/𝑔
which is solved iteratively to obtain 𝛽∗ .
Finally, for supersonic inlet there is a unique flow angle for which the bow shock
formed is attached at the blade row LE. For this case, an idealized flow was considered,
which is described in much detail by Cumpsty in [27]. The modelling approach described
in [27] leads to the following non-linear system of equations, between the inlet flow and
the end (subscript “e”) of the Prandtl–Meyer expansion fan developed due to the suction
surface curvature in the region of the blade LE:
𝛽∗ + 𝜈 𝑀 ) = 𝜅 +𝜈 𝑀 ) (A3)

𝐹 𝑀 )𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛽∗ = 𝐹 𝑀 ) 𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜅 −𝑡 ) (A4)

This system of equations is solved iteratively to give a unique set of 𝛽∗ and 𝑀 val-
ues for which the mass flow across the throat passage chokes. In Equation (A3), 𝜈 𝛭) is
the Prandtl–Meyer function, and in Equation (A4) 𝐹 𝛭) is a flow function that expresses
the corrected flow per unit area. The expression for both 𝜈 𝛭) and 𝐹 𝛭) can be found
in [27].
It should be noted that when the blade row operates in the supersonic flow regime,
the question arises, what is the type of flow that prevails with detached or attached shocks.
In the present work, the type of flow was decided in terms of a Mach number value for
which the two flow models gave the same value of 𝛽∗ . This Mach number value was ob-
tained iteratively and for supersonic Mach numbers below this value, the detached-shock
model was applied, while for larger Mach number values the attached-shock one was im-
plemented. An example of the operating regions of a throat passage obtained with this
modelling approach is illustrated diagrammatically in Figure A1.

Figure A1. Example diagrammatic representation of the blade row throat choking model.

References
1. Mattingly, J.D.; Heiser, W.H.; Pratt, D.T. Aircraft Engine Design, 2nd ed.; AIAA: Reston, VA, USA, 2002; ISBN 1-56347-538-3.
2. Panchenko, Y.; Moustapha, H.; Mah, S.; Patel, K.; Dowhan, M.J.; Hall, D. Preliminary Multi-Disciplinary Optimization in Tur-
bomachinery Design. In Proceedings of the RTO AVT Symposium, Paris, France, 22–25 April 2002; RTO-MP-089, 57/1-22.
3. Vieweg, M.; Wolters, F.; Reitenbach, S.; Hollmann, C.; Becker, R.-G. Multi-Disciplinary Tool Coupling for the Determination of
Turbofan Transients during Preliminary Design. In Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2019, Phoenix, AZ, USA, 17–21 June
2019; GT2019-91402, doi:10.1115/GT2019-91402.
4. Kiss, A.; Spakovszky, Z. Effects of Transient Heat Transfer on Compressor Stability. In Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo
2018, Oslo, Norway, 11–15 June 2018; GT2018-75413, doi:10.1115/GT2018-75413.
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 23 of 24

5. Neumann, N.; Peitsch, D. Introduction and Validation of a Mean Line Solver for Present and Future Turbomachines. In Pro-
ceedings of the 24th ISABE Conference, Canberra, Australia, 22–27 September 2019; ISABE-2019-24441.
6. Vidal, L.E.F.; Pachidis, V.; Tunstall, R.J. Generating Axial Compressor Maps to Zero Speed. Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. Part A J. Power
Energy 2020, 1–18, doi:10.1177/0957650920976052.
7. Zhang, Y.; Zhang, S.; Xiao, Y. Aerodynamic Performance Prediction of Transonic Axial Multistage Compressors Based on One-
Dimensional Meanline Method. In Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2020, Virtual, Online, 21–25 September 2020; GT2020-
14571.
8. Galvas, M.R. FORTRAN Program for Predicting Off-Design Performance of Centrifugal Compressors; NASA, TN D-7487; NASA:
Washington, DC, USA, 1973.
9. Jones, S.M. Development of an Object-Oriented Turbomachinery Analysis Code within the NPSS Framework; NASA, TM-2014-216621;
NASA Glenn Research Center: Cleveland, OH, USA, 2014.
10. Jones, S.M. Design of an Object-Oriented Turbomachinery Analysis Code: Initial Results. In Proceedings of the 22nd ISABE
Conference, Phoenix, AX, USA, 25–30 October 2015; ISABE-2015-20015.
11. Veres, J.P. Axial and Centrifugal Compressor Mean Line Flow Analysis Method. In Proceedings of the 47th AIAA Aerospace
Sciences Meeting, Orlando, FL, USA, 5–8 January 2009; AIAA-2009-1641, doi:10.2514/6.2009-1641.
12. Hendricks, E.S. Meanline Analysis of Turbines with Choked Flow in the Object-Oriented Turbomachinery Analysis Code. In
Proceedings of the 54th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, San Diego, CA, USA, 4–8 January 2016; AIAA-2016-0119,
doi:10.2514/6.2016-0119.
13. Arolla, S.K.; Jothiprasad, C.; Wood, T.H.; Stringfellow, A.B. Reduced Order Modeling of Choked Blade-Rows in Axial Flow
Compressors. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Aerospace Science and Technology, Bangalore, India, 26–28
June 2008; INCAST 2008-002.
14. Cadrecha, D.; Chaquet, J.M.; Corral, R.; Timon, V.P. Robust Method to Solve Meanline Equations for Choked Flows. In Pro-
ceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2018, Oslo, Norway, 11–15 June 2018; GT2018-75362, doi:10.1115/GT2018-75362.
15. Alexiou, A.; Baalbergen, E.H.; Kogenhop, O.; Mathioudakis, K.; Arendsen, P. Advanced Capabilities for Gas Turbine Engine
Performance Simulations. In Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2007, Montreal, QC, Canada, 15–17 May 2007; GT2007-
27086, doi:10.1115/GT2007-27086.
16. Pachidis, V.; Plidis, P.; Texeira, J.; Templalexis, I. A Comparison of Component Zooming Simulation Strategies Using Streamline
Curvature. Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. Part G J. Aerosp. Eng. 2007, 221, 1–15, doi:10.1243/09544100JAERO147.
17. Follen, G.; auBuchon, M. Numerical Zooming between a NPSS Engine System Simulation and a One-Dimensional High Compressor
Analysis Code; NASA, TM-2000-209913; NASA Glenn Research Center: Cleveland, OH, USA, 2000.
18. Bolemant, M.; Peitsch, D. An Alternative Compressor Modelling Method within Gas Turbine Performance Simulations. In Pro-
ceedings of the Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress, Augsburg, Germany,16–18 September 2014; p. 340047.
19. EcosimPro|PROOSIS Modelling and Simulation Software. Available online: http://www.proosis.com/ (accessed on 12 Decem-
ber 2020).
20. Alexiou, A. Introduction to Gas. Turbine Modelling with PROOSIS, 4th ed.; Empresarios Agrupados International (EAI) S.A.: Ma-
drid, Spain, 2020.
21. Aungier, R.H. Axial-Flow Compressors, A Strategy for Aerodynamic Design and Analysis, 1st ed.; ASME: New York, NY, USA, 2003;
ISBN 0-7918-0192-6.
22. Swan, W.C. A Practical Method of Predicting Transonic-Compressor Performance. J. Eng. Power 1961, 83, 322–330,
doi:10.1115/1.3673194.
23. Lakshminarayana, B. Methods of Predicting the Tip Clearance Effects in Axial Flow Turbomachinery. J. Basic Eng. 1970, 92, 467–
480, doi:10.1115/1.3425036.
24. Steinke, R.J.; Crouse, J.E. Analytical Studies of Aspect Ratio and Curvature Variations for Axial-Flow-Compressor-Inlet Stages Under
High Loading; NASA, TN D-3959; NASA Lewis Research Center: Cleveland, OH, USA, 1967.
25. Koch, C.C.; Smith, L.H., Jr. Loss Sources and Magnitudes in Axial-Flow Compressors. J. Eng. Power 1976, 98, 411–424,
doi:10.1115/1.3446202.
26. Banjac, M.; Petrovic, M.V.; Wiedermann, A. A New Loss and Deviation Model for Axial Compressor Inlet Guide Vanes. J.
Turbomach. 2014, 136, 071011, doi:10.1115/1.4025956.
27. Cumpsty, N.A. Compressor Aerodynamics, 1st ed.; Longman: Harlow, UK, 1989; ISBN 0-582-01364-X.
28. Freeman, C.; Cumpsty, N.A. Method for the Prediction of Supersonic Compressor Blade Performance. J. Propuls. 1992, 8, 199–
208, doi:10.2514/3.23461.
29. Kurzke, J.; Halliwell, I. Propulsion and Power, An Exploration of Gas Turbine Performance Modeling, 1st ed.; Springer: Berlin/Hei-
delberg, Germany, 2018; ISBN 978-3-319-75977-7.
30. Walsh, P.P.; Fletcher, P. Gas. Turbine Performance, 2nd ed.; Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK, 2004; ISBN 063206434X.
31. Advisory Group for Aerospace Research & Development (AGARD). Recommended Practices for the Assessment of the Effects of
Atmospheric Water Ingestion on the Performance and Operability of Gas Turbine Engines; AGARD-AR-332; AGARD Neuilly-sur-
Seine, France, 1995.
32. Steinke, R.J. Design of 9.271-Pressure-Ratio Five-Stage Core Compressor and Overall Performance for First Three Stages; NASA, TP-
2597; NASA Lewis Research Center: Cleveland, OH, USA, 1986.
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2021, 6, 4 24 of 24

33. Holloway, P.R.; Knight, G.L.; Koch, C.C.; Shaffer, S.J. Energy Efficient Engine High Pressure Compressor Detail Design Report;
NASA, CR-165558; NASA Lewis Research Center: Cleveland, OH, USA, 1982.
34. Reid, L.; Moore, R.D. Performance of Single-Stage Axial-Flow Transonic Compressor with Rotor and Stator Aspect Ratios of 1.19 and
1.26, Respectively, and with Design Pressure Ratio of 1.82; NASA, TP-1338; NASA Lewis Research Center: Cleveland, OH, USA,
1978.

View publication stats