A mathematical modeling of rotating waves in axial and radial compressors

Summary A comparison between meteorological systems and fluid motions through compressors is proposed. A mathematical analysis analogous to the geophysical one emphasizes characteristic dimensions. A dimensionless kinematic parameter, akin to the Rossby number, emerges, and thus leads to the study of different cases. Two kinds of solutions of rotating waves are presented here. The first describes a Rossby wave propagation in compressors, and the second depicts a limit form of part-span stall.