An analytical model for control of rotating stall has been obtained fr
om the basic fluid equations describing the process at inception. The
model describes rotating stall as a traveling wave packet, sensed-in s
patial components-via the Fourier decomposition of measurements obtain
ed from a circumferential array of evenly distributed sensors (hot wir
es) upstream of the compressor. A set of ''wiggly'' inlet guide vanes
(IGVs) equally spaced around the compressor annulus constitute the ''f
orced'' part of the model. Control is effected by launching waves at a
ppropriate magnitude and phase, synthesized by spatial Fourier synthes
is from individual IGV deflections. The effect of the IGV motion on th
e unsteady fluid process was quantified via identification experiments
carried out on a low speed, single-stage axial research compressor. T
hese experiments served to validate the theoretical model and refine k
ey parameters in it. Further validation of the model was provided by t
he successful implementation of a complex-valued proportional control
law, using a combination of first and second harmonic feedback; this r
esulted in an 18% reduction of stalling mass flow, at essentially the
same pressure rise.