USING MEMS-BASED MICROPUMPS FOR ACTIVE FLOW CONTROL IN HIGH-TURNING STATORS

Technology in Blacksburg, Inc., is proposing to use Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) to reduce boundary-layer losses in the stators of highly-loaded transonic compressor stages. MEMS-based micropumps will bleed-off the low velocity fluid on the blade suction surface resulting from the boundary layer separation. The work added by the micropump to this low momentum fluid will re-energize the fluid so that it can be employed for trailing edge blowing from the stator. This filling s, thus improving the stage efficiency along with the aeromechanical and noise characteristics. Active control will be implemented to optimize the performance of the micropumps for system consideration. A cooperative agreement is arranged with Allison Engine Company to participate in this research program. They will provide technical advice and geometry for engine hardware. In Phase I of this research program, the concept will be demonstrated in a transonic compressor cascade to document the benefit of blade suction-surface bleed and trailing-edge blowing. In Phase II the technique will be demonstrated in the Compressor Aero Research Lab at Wright Laboratories. In Phase III, Technology in Blacksburg, Inc. will team with an engine manufacturer to incorporate the technology in an actual engine.