Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Stator Exit Flow Field of an Automotive Torque Converter

1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 835-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. V. Marathe ◽  
B. Lakshminarayana ◽  
Y. Dong
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Numerical Investigation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Rate Of Decay

The objective of this investigation is to understand the nature of the complex flow field inside each element of the torque converter through a systematic experimental and numerical investigation of the flow field. A miniature five-hole probe was used to acquire the data at the exit of the stator at several operating conditions. The flow field is found to be highly three dimensional with substantial flow deviations, and secondary flow at the exit of the stator. The secondary flow structure, caused by the upstream radial variation of the through flow, induces flow overturning near the core. Flow separation near the shell causes flow underturning in this region. The rate of decay of stator wake is found to be slower than that observed in the wakes of axial flow turbine nozzles. The flow predictions by a Navier–Stokes code are in good agreement with the pressure and the flow field measured at the exit of the stator at the design and the off-design conditions.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Stator Exit Flow Field of an Automotive Torque Converter

1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. V. Marathe ◽  
B. Lakshminarayana ◽  
Y. Dong
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Numerical Investigation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Rate Of Decay

The objective of this investigation is to understand the nature of the complex flow field inside each element of the torque converter through a systematic experimental and numerical investigation of the flow field. A miniature five-hole probe was used to acquire the data at the exit of the stat or at several operating conditions. The flow field is found to be highly three-dimensional with substantial flow deviations, and secondary flow at the exit of the stator. The secondary flow structure, caused by the upstream radial variation of the through flow, induces flow overturning near the core. Flow separation near the shell causes flow underturning in this region. The rate of decay of stator wake is found to be slower than that observed in the wakes of axial flow turbine nozzles. The flow predictions by a Navier-Stokes code are in good agreement with the pressure and the flow field measured at the exit of the stator at the design and the off-design conditions.

Validation of a Navier-Stokes Solver for CFD Computations of Transonic Compressors

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Biollo ◽  
Ernesto Benini
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Model ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Complex Flow

The progress of numerical methods and computing facilities has led to using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a current tool for designing components of gas turbine engines. It is known, however, that a sophisticated numerical model is required to well reproduce the many complex flow phenomena which characterize compression systems, such as shock waves and their interactions with boundary layers and tip clearance flows. In this work, the flow field inside the NASA Rotor 37, a well known test case representative of complex three-dimensional viscous flow structures in transonic bladings, was simulated using a commercial CFD code based on the 3-D Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. In order to improve the accuracy of predictions, different aspects of the numerical model were analyzed; in particular, an attempt was made to understand the influence of grid topology, number of nodes and their distribution, turbulence model, and discretization scheme of numerical solution on the accuracy of computed results. Existing experimental data were used to assess the quality of the solutions. The obtainment of a good agreement between computed and measured performance maps and downstream profiles was clearly shown. Also, detailed comparisons with experimental results indicated that the overall features of the three-dimensional shock structure, the shock-boundary layer interaction, and the wake development can be calculated very well in the numerical approach for all the operating conditions. The possibility for a numerical model to better understand the aerodynamic behaviour of existing transonic compressors and to help the design of new configurations was demonstrated. It was also pointed out that the development of an accurate model requires the knowledge of both the physical phenomena place within the flow field and the features of the code which model them.

Navier-Stokes Analysis of the Pump Flow Field of an Automotive Torque Converter

1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. R. By ◽  
R. Kunz ◽  
B. Lakshminarayana
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Pressure Loss ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Total Pressure Loss ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Secondary Flow Field

A three-dimensional, incompressible, viscous flow code, developed by NASA AMES (INS3D) using the pseudo-compressibility method, is modified for torque converter flow field computations. The code is used to predict the velocity and pressure fields in the pump of an automotive torque converter. Numerical results are compared to measured static pressure and velocity distributions. Results show that: 1) the code can fairly well predict the Cp distribution, the distribution of the through-flow velocity, and the secondary flow field, 2) pump rotation has a major effect on the secondary flow field and on the mass-averaged total pressure loss, and 3) inlet velocity profiles have a profound effect on the mass-averaged total pressure loss.

Laser Velocimeter Measurements in the Pump of an Automotive Torque Converter: Part II—Unsteady Measurements

1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 570-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Brun ◽  
R. D. Flack ◽  
J. K. Gruver
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Field ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Incidence Angle ◽  
Angular Position ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Torque Converter ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Plane Flow ◽  
Periodic Fluctuations ◽  
Pump Inlet

The unsteady velocity field found in the pump of an automotive torque converter was measured using laser velocimetry. Velocities in the inlet, mid-, and exit planes of the pump were investigated at two significantly different operating conditions: turbine/pump rotational speed ratios of 0.065 and 0.800. A data organization method was developed to visualize the three-dimensional, periodic unsteady velocity field in the rotating frame. For this method, the acquired data are assumed to be periodic at synchronous and blade interaction frequencies. Two shaft encoders were employed to obtain the instantaneous angular position of the torque converter pump and turbine at the instant of laser velocimeter data acquisition. By proper “registration” of the data, visualizing the transient interaction effects between the stator and the pump, and between the pump and the turbine, was possible. Results showed strong cyclic velocity fluctuations in the pump inlet plane as a function of the relative stator-pump position. Typical percent periodic fluctuations in the through flow velocity were 70 percent of the average throughflow velocity. The upstream propagation influence of the turbine on the pump exit plane flow field was seen to be smaller. Percent periodic fluctuations of the throughflow velocity were typically 30 percent. The effect of the stator and turbine on the midplane flow field was seen to be negligible. The incidence angle at the pump inlet fluctuated by 27 and 14 deg for the 0.065 and 0.800 speed ratios, respectively. Typical slip factors at the exit were 0.965 and fluctuated by less than 1 percent.

Three-Dimensional Flow Phenomena in a Transonic, High-Through-Flow, Axial-Flow Compressor Stage

1992 ◽  
Author(s):  
William W. Copenhaver ◽  
Chunill Hah ◽  
Steven L. Puterbaugh
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Viscous Flow ◽  
Numerical Technique ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Pressure Transducers ◽  
Through Flow

A detailed aerodynamic study of a transonic, high-through-flow, single stage compressor is presented. The compressor stage was comprised of a low-aspect-ratio rotor combined alternately with two different stator designs. Both experimental and numerical studies are conducted to understand the details of the complex flow field present in this stage. Aerodynamic measurements using high-frequency, Kulite pressure transducers and conventional probes are compared with results from a three-dimensional viscous flow analysis. A steady multiple blade row approach is used in the numerical technique to examine the detailed flow structure inside the rotor and the stator passages. The comparisons indicate that many flow field features are correctly captured by viscous flow analysis, and therefore unmeasured phenomena can be studied with some level of confidence.

Influences of Axial Gap Between Blade Rows on Secondary Flows and Aerodynamic Performance in a Turbine Stage

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Yamada ◽  
K. Funazaki ◽  
M. Kikuchi ◽  
H. Sato
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Axial Direction ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Turbine Stage ◽  
Stator Vane ◽  
Is Design ◽  
Probe Measurements

A study on the effects of the axial gap between stator and rotor upon the stage performance and flow field of a single axial flow turbine stage is presented in this paper. Three axial gaps were tested, which were achieved by moving the stator vane in the axial direction while keeping the disk cavity constant. The effect of the axial gap was investigated at two different conditions, that is design and off-design conditions. The unsteady three-dimensional flow field was analyzed by time-accurate RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes) simulations. The simulation results were compared with the experiments, in which total pressure and the time-averaged flow field upstream and downstream of the rotor were obtained by five-hole probe measurements. The effect of the axial gap was confirmed in the endwall regions, and obtained relatively at off-design condition. The turbine stage efficiency was improved almost linearly by reducing the axial gap at the off-design condition.

Three-Dimensional Flow Phenomena in a Transonic, High-Throughflow, Axial-Flow Compressor Stage

1993 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. W. Copenhaver ◽  
C. Hah ◽  
S. L. Puterbaugh
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Viscous Flow ◽  
Numerical Technique ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Pressure Transducers ◽  
Flow Compressor

A detailed aerodynamic study of a transonic, high-throughflow, single-stage compressor is presented. The compressor stage was comprised of a low-aspect-ratio rotor combined alternately with two different stator designs. Both experimental and numerical studies are conducted to understand the details of the complex flow field present in this stage. Aerodynamic measurements using high-frequency, Kulite pressure transducers and conventional probes are compared with results from a three-dimensional viscous flow analysis. A steady multiple blade row approach is used in the numerical technique to examine the detailed flow structure inside the rotor and the stator passages. The comparisons indicate that many flow field features are correctly captured by viscous flow analysis, and therefore unmeasured phenomena can be studied with some level of confidence.

Design and Off-Design Numerical Investigation of a Transonic Double-Splitter Centrifugal Compressor

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Marconcini ◽  
Filippo Rubechini ◽  
Andrea Arnone ◽  
Seiichi Ibaraki
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Flow Measurements ◽  
Vaned Diffuser

The flow field of a high pressure ratio centrifugal compressor for turbocharger applications is investigated using a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver. The compressor is composed of a double-splitter impeller followed by a vaned diffuser. The flow field of the transonic open-shrouded impeller is highly three-dimensional, and it is influenced by shock waves, tip leakage vortices and secondary flows. Their interactions generate complex flow structures which are convected and distorted through the impeller blades. Both steady and unsteady computations are performed in order to understand the physical mechanisms which govern the impeller flow field while the operation ranges from choke to surge. Detailed Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) flow measurements are available at various cross-sections inside the impeller blades at both design and off-design operating conditions.

Influence of Open and Closed Shroud Cavities on the Flowfield in a 2-Stage Turbine With Shrouded Blades

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter E. Bohn ◽  
Ingo Balkowski ◽  
Hongwei Ma ◽  
Christian Tu¨mmers ◽  
Michael Sell
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Insight Into

An important goal of the development of turbine bladings is to increase the efficiency for an optimized use of energy resources. This necessitates the most possible insight into the complex flow phenomena in multi-stage turbine bladings. This paper presents a combined numerical and experimental investigation of the flow field in a 2-stage axial turbine with shrouded blades, where the axial gap between the shroud and the endwall is varied between 1mm (closed cavities) and 5 mm (opened cavities). In the experimental setup at the Institute of Steam and Gas Turbines, Aachen University, the turbine is operated at a low pressure ratio of 1.4 with an inlet pressure of 3.2 bar. The rotating speed is adjusted by a water brake, which is integrated into a swing frame running in hydrostatic bearings. The rotor power dissipates in the water brake, which enables a very accurate angular momentum determination. The mass flow is measured through a calibrated nozzle installed upstream of the turbine inlet at an accuracy of better than 1%, from which stage efficiencies can be derived. For both geometric configurations (open and closed shroud cavities), the flow field at both inlet and outlet is measured using 5-hole probes as well as temperature probes at three operating conditions. The test rig is especially designed to investigate the influence of the cavity size. Therefore, the radial gaps between shroud and casing is held near zero in order to prevent an axial flow through the cavities. The experimental results are used as boundary conditions for corresponding numerical multi-stage calculations of the 3D flow through the 2-stage turbine, using the highly accurate steady Navier-Stokes inhouse computer code, CHT-Flow. The flow field measurements and the numerical simulations give deeper insight into some of the cavity-related flow field phenomena. The measurement results as well as the simulations indicate that the stator leading edge has little influence on the inlet flow field. The flow through the shroud cavities has a significant influence on the field and therefore on the machine’s performance.

Numerical Prediction of Wakes in Cascades and Compressor Rotors Including the Effects of Mixing: Part I — Cascade Wakes Including the Effects of Incidence and Freestream Turbulence

1991 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Suryavamshi ◽  
B. Lakshminarayana
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Freestream Turbulence ◽  
Compressor Cascade ◽  
Pressure Loss Coefficient ◽  
Viscous Losses ◽  
Rate Of Decay ◽  
Entire Flow ◽  
High Reynolds

The results of a numerical investigation to predict the flow in the wake regions of compressor cascades, and wakes and mixing in rotors are presented in this paper. Part I deals with flow in compressor cascades including the effects of change in loading (incidence) and the inlet freestream turbulence intensity. Part II of the paper deals with the predictions of the rotor flow field, including wakes and spanwise mixing. The wake behaviour has been studied numerically using a three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes solver with a high Reynolds number form of the k–ε turbulence model. The equations are solved using a time dependent implicit technique. The agreement between the measured data and predictions is good; including the wake profile, decay, and losses. The ability of the pseudo-compressibility scheme to predict the entire flow field including the wake profile and its decay characteristics, effect of loading and the viscous losses of a compressor cascade is demonstrated. The numerical analysis shows a slight increase in the total pressure loss coefficient through the cascade with increasing turbulence levels. The results also show a slight increase in the rate of decay of the wake at higher turbulence levels but the change in the spreading of the wake was found to be very small with increased turbulence levels.

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