Some Advantages and Limitations of CENTRIFUGAL and AXIAL AIRCRAFT COMPRESSORS

IN understanding this investigation on centrifugal and axial compressors, the authors point out, it must be remembered that the centrifugal compressor has enjoyed years of intensive development because of its use as a supercharger, while the axial compressor has been denied such attention until recently.

It is also explained that performance and space-weight considerations must be well balanced for a supercharger used on reciprocating engines, while with nonreciprocating engines, by far the most important compressor consideration is optimum performance.

The conclusion of the authors is that the axial compressor will ultimately probably be used in applications where compressor efficiency above 80% is at a high premium, but this can happen only after it has been brought into line from the standpoint of operating range and light structural design combined with ruggedness.