An experimental investigation of the wake of a low-speed axial-flow compressor rotor was conducted with and without the presence of steady inlet total pressure distortions. The steady three-dimensional rotor inlet flow was obtained by a five-hole pneumatic pressure probe, while the one-dimensional rotor exit data were obtained using a piggyback steady/unsteady total pressure probe in non-nulling mode. Both inlet and exit flow conditions were measured in the stationary frame of reference.

Results indicate increases in wake thickness and magnitude of total pressure defect as blade loading increased into the distortion cycle. The wake suction side jet increased in width and magnitude as blade loading increased, which appears to be a response to flow blockage caused by the growing boundary layer on the blades. Based on one-dimensional exit total pressure conditions with respect to the distortion screen, the dynamic response of the intra-blade passage flow does not appear to be a function of blade loading, measurement span, or distortion intensity within the ranges tested. Unsteady one-dimensional rotor exit suction side jet width and magnitude varied a great deal within and outside of the distorted region, and were only moderately correlated to inlet flow conditions. Changes in the unsteady one-dimensional rotor wake width and magnitude were usually in phase with and strongly correlated to changes in the inlet flow conditions.