Design of a Multi-Purpose High-Speed Rotating Rig, for the Rapid Testing of Compressor, Turbine and Fan Single Stages

This paper summaries the design and analysis activities completed in the development of the new high-speed rotating rig for the National Centre for Propulsion and Power (NCPP) located at the Whittle Laboratory, University of Cambridge, UK. The test rig is intended to provide flexibility to work in multiple modes to test axial compressors, turbines, or fans. To facilitate this functionality, the rotating rig must be able to drive the test article via an electric motor or be driven by the oncoming airflow, with the motor acting as a generator. The primary objective of the test rig is to enable rapid testing of single stages over a range of test conditions, from a blade relative Mach number 0.5 up to 1.3 and from a Reynolds number based on chord from 80,000 up to 2,000,000. This paper details five of the main design considerations which were pivotal in enabling the ability to test any configuration rapidly and at full engine conditions. First, the choice of the overall architecture to facilitate rapid access and strip down. Second, the design methodology for ensuring uniformity of flow distribution at the inlet to the test articles. Third, design of the rotatives and driveline so that it can withstand axial loading in both directions whilst remaining adequately sealed. Fourth, the detailed rotordynamic design which ensures the test articles can be operated over a wide range of speeds and sizes. Finally, a rapidly removeable containment solution to mitigate against blade-off or disc-burst failure modes.