An On-Line System for Heterogeneous Distributed Computing and Advanced Visualization of Test Cell Data

In most turbine engine testing facilities, the tools and techniques of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and advanced visualization have never been applied to facilitate (near) real-time analysis of the test hardware. New computer software technology has now been applied which allows server-to-client remote procedure calls (RPC), enabling supercomputers to be called from within the online test scanning program. Coupled with advanced visualization software and graphics workstations, it is possible to view the inside of a test while it is being conducted. Such capability can be as valuable to researchers in steering tests as X-rays are to doctors in diagnosing health. This report presents results from a library of software for on-line visualization. Using this system, a full turbomachine (compressor) has been visually analyzed by interpolating pressure instrument rakes to give a full flow field view of the engine (compressor). All data values at each grid cross-section are non-dimensionalized and viewed at varying ranges of iso-distortion surfaces. Regions of low or high energy can be seen as they proceed through the compressor stages. A full range of capabilities are displayed for both pressure and temperature using computer animation techniques recorded to video. Such views are unique and may provide extra information to help understand flow phenomena such as inlet distortion and how it relates, for example, to stall margin. CFD efforts are also described in conjunction with the use of RPC to supercomputers. A stream function meridional, 2D/quasi-3D solution to five blade rows is shown in context with rotating blade rows and shown on video. The value of the computer work is all generic and can be applied in almost any scientific area where on-line computer systems are used.