Abstract
By integrating piezoceramic Macro-Fiber-Composite (MFC) actuators into the blading of a fan rotor, a simultaneous morphing of the blade twist and turning can be achieved. While operating under off-design flow conditions the piezoceramic actuation allows to reduce flow incidence and deviation. With the overall goal to increase engine off-design efficiency, while maintaining a sufficient surge margin, this research aims to investigate the influence of blade reference shape variations on the morphing potential of a scaled fan rotor. An aerodynamic design methodology including a streamline curvature calculation is therefore coupled with structural morphing simulations. To quantify the impact of reference design variations on the blade’s deformability a Design of Experiment is conducted, resulting in the investigation of different axial compressor designs, ranging from high hub-to-tip ratio compressor rotors to scaled Ultra-High-Bypass-Ratio (UHBR) fan blading. Finally, a UHBR fan design for a test rig application is selected and its morphing behavior is further investigated through quasi 3D (Q3D) simulations for representative tip section designs.
