In axial compressors with a relatively large blade tip clearance, an unsteady phenomenon denoted as rotating instability (RI) can be detected when the compressor is throttled to the operating points near the stability limit. In the frequency domain, RIs are shown as a hump lower than the blade passing frequency. This indicates an increase in noise level and might cause blade vibration and other undesirable structural issues. In this thesis, a comprehensive study on RIs is performed based on an axial compressor rotor row of the Low Speed Research Compressor at Technische Universität Dresden. Three blade tip clearances are investigated, and a groove casing treatment is mounted over the shroud for flow control. Methods of numerical modeling are evaluated, and zonal large eddy simulation is selected as the numerical model. By analyzing the flow properties and applying the dynamic mode decomposition, the coherent flow structure corresponding to the dominant frequency of RIs is extracted and visualized as the waves located in the blade tip region. The criteria for the appearance of RIs in the investigated research object are concluded.

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No description available.

Particle ingestion is a prevalent issue for jet engines. During operation, sand and ash particles enter the engine and can cause serious problems, including erosion and buildup of Calcia-Magnesia-Alumina-Silicate (CMAS) deposits. Analyzing the particle mass concentration of the airflow can help better understand this issue. This can best be accomplished by sampling particles with a sampling probe at various locations within an engine. The present study is a continuation of a previous study that developed and evaluated a novel sampling probe. The present study seeks to modify the probe to optimize its sampling capability, to evaluate the aerodynamics of the modified probe through Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV), to gain insight on its ability to sample smaller particles, to characterize the movement of larger particles as they are sampled using Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV), and to develop a method to physically measure particle mass concentration. To accomplish this, a free jet rig was used to create a particle-laden flow, and the probe was placed at the jet exit to sample particles. A laser and camera system were used to capture images of the probe for PIV and PTV. A particle collection apparatus was designed to collect and weigh particles captured by the probe to measure mass concentration. The PIV results indicate that the probe exhibits sub-isokinetic sampling behavior. However, the PTV results show that large particles are not affected by non-isokinetic conditions. The mass concentration measured by the probe decreases when the flow Mach number increases due to the higher flow velocity causing particles to be spaced further apart. The mass concentration measured by the probe decreases when the probe yaw angle increases due to lower projected probe inlet area. / Master of Science / Sand and ash particles are harmful to jet engines. Particle ingestion can greatly affect the useful life of the engine. Particles erode the machinery within the engine, and they also melt to form mineral deposits, all of which degrades performance. One method that is being developed to better understand this problem is to sample particles at various locations in the engine using a sampling probe. The concept of a sampling probe is simple: particles are captured by the probe inside the engine, and the particles are collected outside the engine for analysis. This would give insight on particle behavior in the engine. The present study is a continuation of a previous study that developed and evaluated a novel sampling probe. The present study seeks to modify the probe to optimize its sampling capability, to use advanced imaging techniques to characterize the movement of air and particles entering the probe, and to safely collect and weigh particles captured by the probe. A compressed air jet was used to accelerate particles and create a particle-laden environment akin to the inside of an engine. The probe was placed at the exit of the jet to sample particles. A laser and camera system were used to capture images of the probe during the particle-sampling process. A particle collection apparatus was designed to safely collect and store particles captured by the probe for weighing. The image and weight data were then used to make conclusions about the probe's sampling capability.

Particle ingestion remains an important concern for turbine engines, specifically those in aircraft. Sand and related particles tend to become suspended in air, posing an omnipresent health threat to engine components. This issue is most prevalent during operation in sandy environments at low altitudes. Takeoffs and landings can blow a significant quantity of particulates into the air; these particulates may then be ingested by the engine. Helicopters and other Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft are at high risk of engine damage in these conditions. Compressor blades are especially vulnerable, as they may encounter the largest of particles. Robust and thorough experimental and computational studies have been conducted to understand the relationships between particle type, shape, and size and their effects on compressor and turbine blade wear. However, there is a lack of literature that focuses on sampling particles directly from the flow inside an engine. Instead, experimental studies that estimate the trajectories and behavior of particles are based upon the resulting erosion of blades and the expected aerodynamics and physics of the region. It is important to close this gap to fully understand the role of particulates in eroding engine components. This study investigated the performance of a particle-sampling probe designed to collect particles after the first compressor stage of a Rolls-Royce Allison Model 250 turboshaft engine. The engine was not used in this investigation; rather, a rig that creates a particle-laden jet was developed in order to determine probe sampling sensitivity with respect to varying angles of attack and flow Mach number. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was utilized to understand the aerodynamic effects of the probe on smaller particles. / Master of Science / Aircraft jet engines are constantly exposed to particles suspended in the atmosphere. Most jet engines contain several stages of spinning blades. The first series of stages near the front of the engine comprise the compressor, while the series towards the end of the engine comprise the turbine. Engines depend on compressor blades to add energy to the flow via compression and turbine blades to extract energy from the flow after combustion. Thus, they are critical for the successful operation of the engine. The constant impact of airborne particulates against these blades causes erosion, which alters blade geometry and thereby engine performance. Depending on the turbine inlet temperature, particles may melt and clog the cooling passages in turbine blades, causing serious damage as the blades reach temperatures above their intended operating regime. These damages inhibit the ability of the engine to operate properly and pose a serious safety risk if left unchecked. In literature, experimental engine erosion correlations and numerical models of particle trajectories through the engine have been developed; however, none of these studies collected particles directly from the compressor region of the engine. In this study, a probe was developed and evaluated for the purpose of sampling particulates between the first and second compressor stages of a Rolls-Royce Allison Model 250 turboshaft engine. The probe's efficacy and aerodynamic properties were analyzed such that the probe will provide processable data when inserted into the engine. The methods to obtain this data include particle-sampling and particle image velocimetry (PIV).

With the electrification of the automotive industry, vehicles tend to be quieter than their internal combustion engine counterparts. Because of this phenomenon, noises and vibrations that were initially imperceptible appear and affect the overall comfort level of the driver and the passengers. It can also lead to structural fatigue witch results in an increase of maintenance and repair costs. In the case of the BlueBus 6m IT3, a disturbance is encountered with the Scroll compressor, placed atop of the driver’s cabin, which supplies the braking system and the suspensions. When running at low speed, it vibrates and enters in resonance with the bus structure. This thesis aims to reduce the resonance between the bus frame and the compressor by focusing on the characteristics frequencies of both systems. The vibrations of the compressor and the bus roof were measured for distinct stiffnesses and positions of the anti-vibration mounts and at the two compressor running speeds: 2000 rpm and 2900 rpm. The Sound Pressure Level (SPL) inside the driver’s cabin and close to the compressor was also acquired to evaluate and compare the different configurations. A reduction of 2 dBA was achieved by increasing the stability of the motor-compressor assembly with a new support made up of wider mounts. The anti-vibration mounts of a shore hardness of 40 Sh were the more efficient with another 2 dBA decrease and a vibration of the roof quartered. A modal analysis confirmed the presence of a coupling between the compressor and the first cavity mode of the bus structure at low speed leading to amplified noise in the bus. Another analysis was performed on a modified compressor structure including the evolutions resulting from the tests. It results in a decoupling between the compressor and the bus frame and reduced bracket vibrations under loads at low speed. / Med elektrifieringen av fordonsindustrin tenderar fordonen att bli tystare än sina motsvarigheter med förbränningsmotorer. På grund av detta fenomen uppstår ljud och vibrationer som från början var omöjliga att uppfatta, vilket påverkar den allmänna komfortnivån för föraren och passagerarna. Det kan också leda till strukturell utmattning, vilket i sin tur leder till ökade underhålls- och reparationskostnader. I fallet med BlueBus 6m IT3 har en störning uppstått i scroll-kompressorn, som är placerad ovanför förarhytten och försörjer bromssystemet och fjädringarna. När den körs med låg hastighet vibrerar den och går i resonans med bussens struktur. Denna avhandling syftar till att minska resonansen mellan bussramen och kompressorn genom att fokusera på de karakteristiska frekvenserna för båda systemen. Vibrationerna från kompressorn och bussens tak mättes för olika styvheter och positioner för antivibrationsfästena och vid de två kompressorhastigheterna: 2000 rpm och 2900 rpm. Ljudtrycksnivån i förarhytten och i närheten av kompressorn mättes också för att utvärdera och jämföra de olika konfigurationerna. En minskning med 2 dBA uppnåddes genom att öka stabiliteten hos motorkompressorenheten med ett nytt stöd som bestod av bredare fasten. De vibrationsdämpande fästena med en shore-hårdhet på 40 Sh var mest effektiva med ytterligare en minskning på 2 dBA och en vibration av taket på en fjärdedel. En modalanalys bekräftade förekomsten av en koppling mellan kompressorn och den första kavitetsmodusen i bussstrukturen vid låga varvtal, vilket ledde till förstärkt buller i bussen. En annan analys utfördes på en modifierad kompressorstruktur som inkluderade de utvecklingar som framkom vid testerna. Det resulterade i en frikoppling mellan kompressorn och bussramen och minskade vibrationer i konsolen under belastning vid låga hastigheter.

Rotating blades, which are the most critical components of any turbo-machinery, need to be designed to withstand forced vibrations due to accidental tip rub impact against inner surface of casing. These vibrations are typically dependent on operating conditions and geometric parameters. In the current study, a rotor test rig with a maximum tip speed capability of 144 km/hr has been developed for studying the dynamic behavior of representative jet engine compressor blades actuated by the closure of clearance between the tip of a given rotating blade and a sector of the inner lining of the casing. Ten different blade profiles are chosen in the present research. The blades are obtained by lofting NACA GOE123 airfoil cross-section along different stacking axes. Rotor test rigs which simulate transient dynamic events require high frequency data acquisition systems like slip ring arrangement or telemetric transmission. While slip rings introduce noise into the signal, the telemetric transmission works out to be rather expensive. To circumvent the stated shortcomings of data acquisition systems, a novel rotor-mounted data acquisition system has been implemented here which captures dynamic strains in vibrating blades during operation. The current data acquisition system can store data for duration of five seconds with a sampling rate of 35 kHz. It has been calibrated with four standard tests, and provides a simple and efficient mode of data capturing. Three blades with airfoil sections (a flat beam-type blade of uniform rectangular cross-section, a blade with twisted cross-sections stacked along a straight line, and a blade similar to the latter but with a curved stacking axis) are tested under controlled rub conditions at four different speeds. The maximum test speed is restricted to 800 rpm for reasons of safety although the set-up is designed to operate up to a maximum speed of 2000 rpm. For each of the rotor speeds, a blade is tested for three to four different stagger angles in the range of 0o-30o. By plotting the RMS values of measured dynamic responses with respect to stagger angle for a given rotor speed, it has been observed, perhaps for the first time in published literature, that a stagger angle of around 20o yields the maximum RMS value of strain response. A major objective of the current study has been to utilize the data generated in the tip rub impact tests for validating a predictive numerical model of the test set-up using explicit finite element analysis. To this end, a finite element model of the rotor rig inclusive of a rotor with two blades and the static frame structure is developed and analyzed using an explicit LS-DYNA solver. This model is calibrated with the test results of the three blade designs described above. In particular, it has been shown that the frequency contents of the measured dynamic strain responses agree quite well with frequencies obtained from the numerically computed responses. It has been found in the experimental responses that a given blade vibrates with two main frequencies: one corresponding to the first natural frequency of the rotor-blade system during the tip-rubbing phase (which lasts until the blade tip is in contact with the rub element which is a sector of the circular casing), and another corresponding to the first natural frequency of the blade when it vibrates freely without its tip being in contact with the rub-liner of the casing. A shortcoming of the current modeling approach is its inability to realistically represent the damping behaviors observed in the tests. For reasons of computational efficiency and consistent with the fact that there was no perceptible damage in the tested blades, an elastic constitutive behavior is specified for the blades, while the sacrificial PVC rub-liner is assumed to behave elasto-plastically. A limited study has also been carried out by assigning an elasto-plastic constitutive model to one of the blades previously represented with elastic properties only, and although incipient yielding is observed in a highly localized region at the tip of a blade (which can also be a numerical artifact), the responses under the two material behavior considerations (i.e. elastic and elasto-plastic) are found to be nearly same. Finally, this validated modeling approach is applied to the study of blades of ten distinct geometric profiles (including the three configurations already considered) at a speed of 800 rpm and the resonant speed of a given blade. Comparisons are made between the relevant responses (such as time-histories of root strain, shaft torque, blade axial displacement, bearing load and rub force) of nine blades with airfoil cross-sections (leaving aside the results for the first blade of rectangular cross-section which is only of academic interest). Based on this study, of all the blade designs, it has been found that the curve-stacked airfoils exhibit better ‘Rub-tolerant’ behavior. Both experimental and simulation results have predominantly proven the fact that adding curvature to a straight stacked blade through curve-stacked or bow result in reducing the rub induced vibration. While sweep and bow provide some aerodynamic advantages, they are not much helpful in containing the vibrations to a sustainable extent.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aims of this thesis are to identify all possible modes of operaton for a multi-stage axial flow compressor; then to characterise the performance, attempt to numerically model operation, and determine the main flow field features for each mode. Four quadrant axial flow compressor operation occurs when the direction of flow through the compressor or the sign of the pressure difference across the compressor reverses, or any combination of these. Depending on the direction of rotation of the compressor, six modes of operation are possible in the four quadrants of the performance map. The rotor rotates in the design direction for three modes, and in the opposite direction for the other three. The stationary-rotor pressure characteristic is S-shaped and passes through the second and fourth quadrants. A three-stage axial flow compressor operating in the incompressible flow regime was used for the experimental investigation. Flow through the compressor was reversed or augmented by means of an auxiliary axial flow fan. Compressor performance was measured by means of static pressure tappings, a turbine anemometer calibrated to measure forward and reversed volumetric flow and a load cell for torque measurement. The inter-blade row flow fields were measured with pneumatic probes and 50 μm cylindrical hot film probes. Three dimensional single blade-passage Navier-Stokes simulations were performed using the Numeca FineTurbo package. Steady state simulations used a mixing plane approach. A nonlinear harmonic approximation was used for time-unsteady simulations. Unstalled first quadrant operation was unremarkable, and good agreement was obtained between experimental and numerical data. A single stall cell was detected experimentally during stalled operation, which was not modelled numerically. In the fourth quadrant for positive rotation, (windmilling), the compressor acts as an inefficient turbine. Flow separates from the pressure surface of the blade, rendering the steady-state mixing plane approach unsuitable. The performance characteristic curves for second quadrant for positive rotation, are discontinuous with those of first quadrant operation. The temperature rise in the working fluid is significantly higher than at design point. Periodic flow structures occurring across two blade passages were detected at all flow coefficients investigated, invalidating numerical modelling assumptions. Better agreement was obtained between experimental and numerical data from a case found in literature. If the compressor operates as a compressor in reverse (third quadrant operation), significant separation occurs on the pressure surface of all blades, and flow conditions resemble severe first quadrant stall. Separation becomes less severe at larger flow rates, allowing numerical simulation, though this is sensitive to the initial flow field. In the the part of the second quadrant, where the compressor rotates in reverse, it operates as a turbine. The blade angles and the direction of curvature match the flow angles and turning well, leading to high turbine efficiencies. Numerical simulations yielded good agreement with measured results, but were again sensitive to the initial flow field. Fourth quadrant operation with negative rotation occurs when flow is forced through the compressor in the design direction. Large separation bubbles are attached to the pressure surfaces of rotor and stator blades, so virtually all throughflow occurs near the hub and casing / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doelwitte van hierdie tesis is om al die moontlike werkmodusse vir ’n bestaande multi-stadium aksiaalvloei kompressor uit te ken; om dan die gedrag te gekarakteriseer, ’n poging aan te wend om die werking numeries te modelleer, en die belangrikste vloeiveldkenmerke vir elke modus te bepaal. Vier-kwadrant aksiaalvloei kompressor werking vind plaas as die rigting van die vloei deur die kompressor, of die teken van die drukverskil oor die kompressor omkeer, of enige kombinasie daarvan. Afhangende van die rigting van rotasie van die kompressor is ses operasionele modusse moontlik in die vier kwadrante van die kompressorkaart. Die rotor draai in die ontwerprigting vir drie van die modes, en in die teenoorgestelde rigting vir die ander drie. Die stilstaande-rotor drukkarakteristiek is S-vormig gaan deur die tweede en vierde kwadrante. ’n Drie-stadium onsamedrukbare vloei aksiaalvloei kompressor is vir die eksperimentele ondersoek gebruik. Vloei deur die kompressor is omgekeer of aangehelp deur middel van ’n aksiaalvloei hulpwaaier. Kompressor werking is gemeet deur middel van statiese druk meetpunte in die omhulsel, ’n turbine anemometer wat gekalibreer is om vorentoe en omgekeerde volumetriese vloei te meet, en ’n lassel vir wringmoment meting. Interlemryvloeivelde is opgemeet met pneumatiese sensors en 50-μm silindriese warm film sensors. Drie-dimensionele Navier-Stokes simulasies is uitgevoer vir ’n enkele lem van elke lemry, met behulp van die Numeca FineTurbo sagtewarepakket. ’n Mengvlakbenadering is gebruik vir bestendige toestand simulasies, terwyl ’n nie-linere harmoniese benadering gebruik is vir die tyd-afhanklike simulasies. Ongestaakte eerste kwadrant werking was alledaags, en goeie ooreenkoms is gevind tussen die eksperimentele en numeriese data. ’n Enkele staak-sel is eksperimenteel ontdek tydens gestaakte werking. Gestaakte werking is nie numeries gemodelleer nie. In die vierde kwadrant vir positiewe rotasie, (”windmeulwerking”), werk die kompressor as ’n ondoeltreffende turbine. Vloei-wegbrekinging op die lem drukoppervlaktes maak die bestendige toestand mengvlakbenadering ongeskik. In die kenlyne vir tweede kwadrant positiewe rotasie, is daar ’n diskontinu¨ıteit in die prestasie karakteristiekkrommes vir die eerste en tweede kwadrant werking. Die temperatuurstyging in die werk- vloeistof is beduidend ho¨er as as by die ontwerppunt. Periodiese vloeistrukture wat oor twee lemme plaasvind is gevind by alle vloei ko¨effisi¨ente wat ondersoek is, en dit maak die numeriese modellering aannames ongeldig. Beter ooreenkoms tussen die eksperimentele en numeriese data iss verkry met ’n geval wat uit die literatuur gevind is. Indien die kompressor werk as ’n kompressor in omgekeerde (derde kwadrant weking), vind beduidende wegbreking op die drukoppervlak van al die lemme plaas, wat lyk soos ernstige gestaakte eerste kwadrant werking. Die vloeiskeiding raak minder ernstig by ’n groter vloeitempo, wat numeriese nabootsing toelaat, maar die nabootsings is sensitief vir die aanvanklike vloeiveld. In die tweede kwadrant, by omgekeerde rotasie, werk die kompressor as ’n turbine. Die lemhoeke en die rigting van lemkromming stem ooreen met die vloeihoeke en verwringing, wat lei tot ho¨er turbine doeltreffendheid. Numeriese nabootsings stem goed ooreen met gemete resultate, maar is weereens sensitief vir die keuse van die aanvanklike vloeiveld. Vierde kwadrant werking met negatiewe rotasie vind plaas wanneer die lug gedwing word om deur die kompressor in die ontwerprigting te vloei. Groot skeidingborrels sit vas aan die drukoppervlaktes van alle lemme, sodat meeste deurvloei naby die naaf en die omhulsel plaas vind.

Pour améliorer la conception des turbomachines, les industriels doivent appréhender des phénomènes aéroélastiques complexes présents dans les compresseurs comme les cycles limites d’interaction fluide-structure des fans. La compréhension et la modélisation de ces phénomènes impliquent de développer des modèles numériques complexes intégrant des phénomènes multi-physique et de valider ces modèles à l’aide de bancs d’essais. Le banc d’essai du compresseur CREATE est instrumenté pour étudier des instabilités aérodynamiques couplées à des vibrations, notamment sur le rotor du premier étage, et permet de valider des modèles numériques. La modélisation de l’écoulement en amont du premier étage du compresseur à l’aide du logiciel Turb’Flow, développé pour l’étude des écoulements dans les compresseurs aéronautiques, a permis de mettre en évidence l’importance des conditions limites d’entrée pour l’obtention de résultats précis. En particulier, il a été possible de modéliser correctement l’ingestion d’une alimentation non-homogène en entrée de la roue directrice d’entrée. Ce phénomène peut se produire en amont des fans et interagir avec un mode de la structure. Une stratégie de couplage partitionné fort explicite dans le domaine temporel a été introduite dans le logiciel Turb’Flow. Comme cette méthode présente un risque de décalage temporel à l’interface fluide-structure, une attention particulière a été portée à la modélisation de la conservation de l’énergie à cette interface. La conservation de l’énergie à l’interface est cruciale quand les déplacements sont importants et quand un comportement non-linéaire fort apparaît entre le fluide et la structure (onde de choc et amortissement structurel nonlinéaire). Parallèlement au développement du module aéroélastique, le schéma implicite de Runge- Kutta d’ordre 3 en temps (RKI-3) a été développé et évalué sur un cas de dynamique (vibration d’une aube de turbine transsonique) et sur un cas de propagation d’onde de choc. L’utilisation du schéma RKI-3 permet d’augmenter, à iso-précision, d’un ordre le pas de temps par rapport aux schémas de Gear et de Newmark. S’il apporte un gain en temps CPU pour l’étude de la dynamique des structures, il est pénalisant dans le cadre de simulation URANS. Cependant, le schéma RKI-3 est utilisable dans le cadre de simulations couplées fluide-structure. / To increase turbomachinery design, manufacturers have to comprehend complex aeroelastic phenomena involving compressors like fluid-structure interaction limit cycles of fans. The understanding and the modeling of these phenomena involve developing complex solvers coupling techniques and validating these techniques with bench tests. The bench test of the CREATE compressor is instrumented to study the coupling between aerodynamic instabilities and structure vibration, in particular on the first stage rotor, and allows to validate numerical techniques. The flow modeling upstream to the first stage with the Turb’Flow flow solver (targeting turbomachinery applications) shows that, to have accurate results, inlet limit conditions must take into account. The ingestion of non-homogeneous flow upstream to the inlet guide vane is accurately modeled. This phenomenon can appear upstream to fans and interact with structure Eigen-modes. Explicit partitioned strong coupling considered in time domain was implemented in a Turb’Flow flow solver. As there is a risk of time shift at the fluid-structure interface, careful attention should be paid to energy conservation at the interface. This conservation is crucial when displacements are large and when strong non-linear behaviors occur in both fluid and structure domains, namely shock waves, flow separations and non-linear structural damping. In parallel with coupling technique development, the three-order implicit Runge-Kutta scheme (RKI-3) was implemented and validated on a structure dynamic case (transonic turbine blade vibration) and on a case of shock waves propagation. The RKI-3 scheme allows increasing the time step of one order of magnitude with the same accuracy. There is a CPU time gain for structure dynamics simulations, but no for URANS simulations. However, the RKI-3 scheme can be to use for fluid-structure coupling simulations. The coupling technique was validated on a test case involving tube in which the shock wave impinges on a cross flow flexible panel, initially at rest. This case allows modeling an interaction between sonic flow and a panel movement with a tip clearance. Some numerical simulations were carried out with different temporal schemes. The RKI-3 scheme has no influence on results (compared with Gear and/or Newmark scheme) on the energy conservation at the fluid-structure interface. Compared to experimental results, pressure is in fairly good ix Liste des publications agreement. The analysis of numerical results highlighted that a vertical shock tube with up and down waves creates pressure fluctuation. Frequency is under predicted and amplitude is not in fairly good agreement. The panel root modeling might be questionable.

Cette thèse est le fruit d’un partenariat entre la société Johnson Controls et l’université Bordeaux1. L’objectif s’inscrit dans le cadre d’un projet de développement de pompe à chaleur innovante et est de développer un compresseur centrifuge à haute compression. Pour ce faire, un modèle numérique a été créé afin de simuler l’écoulement dans ce type de compresseur. Afin de respecter des impératifs industriels, une première géométrie a été établie par modifications itératives de divers paramètres et analyse des performances induites. L’écoulement a ensuite été étudié plus précisément, particulièrement pour mieux comprendre l’apparition des décollements. Enfin, une étude instationnaire de l’écoulement dans le diffuseur a été effectuée. Au delà des phénomènes physiques étudiés et appréhendés au cours de ce processus, c’est avant tout une méthodologie qui valorise ce travail. / This thesis is the result of a partnership between the company Johnson Controls and the university Bordeaux1. The objective is part of a project to develop innovative heat pump and involves the design of a high head centrifugal compressor. To do this, a numerical model is created to simulate the flow in this kind of compressor. To observe industriel deadlines, a first geometry was established by iterative changes of various parameters in analysing induced effiencies. The flow was then studied further, especially to better understand the onset of flow separation. Finally, a study of unsteady flow in the diffuser was performed. Beyond the physical phenomena investigated and comprehended during this process, it is firstly a methodology that values this work.