Verification of Compressor Data Accuracy by Uncertainty Analysis and Testing Methods

Abstract

A transonic compressor designed and instrumented by the General Electric Company was recently evaluated during several test programs in the Compressor Research Facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. An analytical uncertainty analysis was performed for the individual measurements, as well as the calculated performance parameters. During the tests, the experimental values of precision uncertainty were compared to the analytical predictions. The spatial variation of the individual discharge measurements was evaluated for its effect on the uncertainty of the measured parameters and calculated performance. Through the comparison of the analytical and measured uncertainty and the evaluation of spatial variation, a final uncertainty of the measured performance is presented, and the overall quality of the test results is assessed. Through these data reviews, a more accurate understanding of the performance of the test compressor is obtained.