Development of an Additively Manufactured Stationary Diffusion System for a Research Aeroengine Centrifugal Compressor

Abstract

This paper introduces the next generation of the Centrifugal Stage for Aerodynamic Research (CSTAR) facility at the Purdue University Compressor Research Lab. The research centrifugal compressor is designed with an additively manufactured stationary diffusion system which comprises a vaned diffuser, a turn-to-axial bend, and deswirler vanes. The dimensional accuracy and surface finish of the diffusion system has allowed for rapid prototyping of several iterative diffusion system designs and has allowed for configuration of in situ pressure and temperature measurements to experimentally evaluate the aerodynamics and performance of centrifugal compressor diffusion systems. The diffusion system is manufactured from a commercially available stereolithography (SLA) resin, and the design of the parts is adapted to the constraints imposed by current technological and material limits of resin 3D printing. The implementation of additive manufacturing in the prototyping of the diffusion system has allowed for decreased cost and lead time while allowing rapid turnaround to generate experimental data. Performance data have verified the repeatability and temperature independence of the additively manufactured diffusion system through several design iterations. A survey of candidate materials for additively manufacturing these parts is also presented, and the tradeoffs of their material properties are discussed.