Performance evaluations of a shrouded contra-rotating rotor based on a novel-designed platform with multiple testing possibilities

Abstract

This paper aims to design a novel experimental platform with multiple testing possibilities on different individual performance parameters and different rotary propulsion systems. Three mechanic swingarms were constructed to separately and simultaneously test the rotor(s) and shroud, so that the interactions among different components can be involved. Based on it, measurements on the total thrust, torque, and power were conducted to evaluate the system global performance and the effects of key design parameters. The test results indicate that the performance parameters such as total thrust, torque, power, and power loading of the shrouded double rotor (SDR) are asymmetric between the current system and the one with switched rotational speed. Compared with free rotors, the shroud presence can increase the total thrust by 61.2% and power loading by 60%; the combination of divergent nozzle and, relatively, great inlet can improve the system performance, but it is limited by the flow separation; the system behaves insensitively to the rotor locations and rotor number. The location at the upstream cylindrical section is recommended; the optimal performance usually occurs under the condition of the upstream rotational speed lower than the downstream one. All revealed phenomena and the effectively designed test platform give the technique references for the shrouded system design and optimization.

Keywords

Shrouded contra-rotating rotor experimental platform performance evaluation individual parameter design variable

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