Development of a three dimensional compressible flow calibration facility for thermal anemometry
Abstract
Measurements of unsteady, three-dimensional turbomachinery flowfields are needed to improve the computational models in predictive tools used in the design process of new turbomachines. Hot-wire anemometers, which offer a high frequency response for a relatively low cost, are one of the most common methods for investigating turbulent flows. Triple-wire sensors provide a means of obtaining simultaneous measurements of all three velocity components but require a significantly more complicated calibration scheme than single-wire sensors. In addition, the heat transfer from a hot-wire is dependent not only on the flow velocity but also the temperature and density, which must be accounted for through calibration and correction factors. To enable triple-wire hot-wire measurements in the Purdue 3-Stage Axial Compressor Facility, a new compressible flow calibration facility has been developed which can position the probe through a range of pitch and yaw angles and provide a means to derive temperature and density correction factors specific to each probe. A lookup table method is used to convert the voltage signals back to velocities and angles. The calibration facility can reach velocities in excess of 500 ft/s, temperatures up to 155°F and densities up to 0.090 lbm/ft3. The velocity is accurate to within 3.5 ft/s, temperature control accurate to within 1°F and density to within 5.5x10-5 lbm/ft3. A triple-wire fiber-film probe was used to validate the calibration method, and was able to resolve the three-dimensional flowfield downstream of a rotor.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Key, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Aerospace engineering
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