Causes of Acoustic Resonance in a High-Speed Axial Compressor

Non-harmonic acoustic resonance was detected in the static pressure and sound signals in a four-stage high-speed axial compressor when the compressor was operating close to the surge limit. Based on prior research reported in the literature and measurements of the resonance frequency, Mach number of the mean flow, and the axial and circumferential phase shift of the pressure signal during resonance it is shown that the acoustic resonance is an axial standing wave of a spinning acoustic mode with three periods around the circumference of the compressor. This phenomenon occurs only if the aerodynamic load in the compressor is high, because the mode needs a high circumferential Mach number for resonance conditions. Mathematics of existing analyses of acoustic resonances in turbomachinery are complex and have therefore rarely resulted in published examples of good agreement with real engine data. The present paper provides suitable, physically based simplifications of the existing mathematical models which are applicable for modes with circumferential wavelengths of more than two blade pitches and resonance frequencies considerably higher than the rotor speed.