Effect of Blade Surface Roughness on Axial Compressor Performance

In this research, an investigation to understand the effects of blades surface roughness on the axial transonic compressor performance parameters include of efficiency and pressure ratio was undertaken. A CFD code, which solves the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, was used to simulate the complicated 3D flow field of the axial compressor. The code was validated against experimental data of the axial compressor. Numerical data showed good agreement with experimental data. Then, the effects of blades surface roughness in all stages on the axial compressor performance parameters at design point, was analyzed. Results show that blades surface roughness leads to increase boundary layers and pressure loss and decrease the efficiency and pressure ratio which reduction of efficiency is more sensitive compare with pressure ratio in the compressor.