The use of sweep and dihedral in multistage axial flow compressor blading - Part I: University research and methods development

This paper describes the introduction of 3-D blade designs into the core compressors for the Rolls-Royce Trent engine with particular emphasis on the use of sweep and dihedral in the rotor designs. It follows the development of the basic ideas in a university research project, through multistage low-speed model testing, to the application to high pressure engine compressors. An essential element of the project was the use of multistage CFD and some of the development of the method to allow the designs to take place is also discussed. The first part of the paper concentrates on the university-based research and the methods development. The second part describes additional low-speed multistage design and testing and the high-speed engine compressor design and test.