Flow Angle Measurement on the Casing Surface of the Compressor Blade Tip Using a Flexible MEMS Sensor

Abstract

In axial flow compressors, it is important to understand the detailed behavior because the tip leakage flow may leads to performance degradation and surge generation. However, since the tip clearance is very narrow with only a few millimeters of clearance, it is difficult to insert a probe and the flow angle cannot be measured by actuation point change in oil flow visualization.

In this paper, a flexible MEMS sensor with a thickness of several hundred micrometers was developed by applying the thermal tufting method, and flow angle measurements were performed on the blade end casing surface of a 1.5 stage axial flow compressor test rig. As a result, it was shown that the flow angle change due to the leakage flow with the change of the working point of the compressor could be measured in the clearance section of less than 3 mm.