Sweep in a Transonic Fan Rotor: Part 2 — CFD and Stress Analyses

Forward-swept and back-swept transonic rotor geometries were generated from a reference design using a new 3D surface representation for blade geometry. Flow fields and performance were calculated using a thin-layer Navier-Stokes code and rotational stresses were calculated using a finite-element code. Grid generation problems, due to interfacing with the new geometry package, were resolved to obtain a consistent data set that isolated the effect of sweep on rotor performance. The intent of the study was to exercise and demonstrate the new geometry package by introducing sweep into an existing rotor design. The package is intended for aero-structural-manufacturing optimization.