High-response measurements of a turbofan engine during nonrecoverable stall

High response measurements of a Pratt and Whitney F100(3) turbofan engine at a simulated Mach number and altitude of 1.2 and 3000 m (10,000 ft) respectively were recorded during a nonrecoverable stall. The nonrecoverable stall occurred as a result of incorrect scheduling of the high compressor variable vanes (RCVV) during an experimental engine control investigation. Recorded data indicates rotating stall originating in the high pressure compressor. From this region the disturbance propagates upstream into the fan and downstream throughout the core compressor. The rotating stall remained in the core compressor until the engine was shutdown. The fan exhibited some rotating stall, but the amplitude of the pressure oscillations were less severe. Data indicates that the fan was able to recover from the stall. Fan turbine inlet temperature (FTIT) had been decreasing until stall developed in the high-pressure compressor. From this time, FTIT increased towards its maximum temperature limit. The rising FTIT during nonrecoverable stall may be the result of incomplete combustion in the combustor and additional combustion occurring through the turbine.