Predictions of Endwall Losses and Secondary Flows in Axial Flow Turbine Cascades

1987 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. P. Sharma ◽  
T. L. Butler
Keyword(s):  
Flow Visualization ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Integral Boundary ◽  
Realistic Interpretation ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Flow Theories ◽  
Semi Empirical ◽  
End Wall

This paper describes the development of a semi-empirical model for estimating end-wall losses. The model has been developed from improved understanding of complex endwall secondary flows, acquired through review of flow visualization and pressure loss data for axial flow turbomachine cascades. The flow visualization data together with detailed measurements of viscous flow development through cascades have permitted more realistic interpretation of the classical secondary flow theories for axial turbomachine cascades. The re-interpreted secondary flow theories together with integral boundary layer concepts are used to formulate a calculation procedure for predicting losses due to the endwall secondary flows. The proposed model is evaluated against data from published literature and improved agreement between the data and predictions is demonstrated.

Predictions of Endwall Losses and Secondary Flows in Axial Flow Turbine Cascades

1986 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. P. Sharma ◽  
T. L. Butler
Keyword(s):  
Flow Visualization ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Integral Boundary ◽  
Realistic Interpretation ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Turbine Cascades ◽  
Flow Theories ◽  
Semi Empirical

The development of a semi-empirical model for estimating endwall losses is described in this paper. The model has been developed from improved understanding of complex endwall secondary flows, acquired through review of flow visualization and pressure loss data for axial flow turbomachine cascades. The flow visualization data together with detailed measurements of viscous flow development through cascades have permitted more realistic interpretation of the classical secondary flow theories for axial turbomachine cascades. The re-interpreted secondary flow theories together with integral boundary layer concepts are used to formulate a calculation procedure for predicting losses due to the endwall secondary flows. The proposed model is evaluated against data from published literature and improved agreement between the data and predictions is demonstrated.

Spanwise Mixing in Axial-Flow Turbomachines

1982 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. G. Adkins ◽  
L. H. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Separated Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Main Stream ◽  
Flow Measurements ◽  
Mixing Coefficient ◽  
Blade Row ◽  
End Wall

Flow measurements taken in multistage axial-flow turbomachines suggest that substantial spanwise mixing of flow properties often occurs. In addition, measured blade row turnings often show considerable deviation from two-dimensional cascade theory, particularly in the end-wall regions. An approximate method is presented with which both of these effects can be included in design through-flow calculations. The method is based on inviscid, small-perturbation secondary flow theory. Frictional effects are not directly included but secondary flows caused by annulus wall and blade boundary layers are included in an approximate way. The secondary flow model includes effects of 1) main-stream nonfree-vortex flow, 2) end-wall boundary layers, 3) blade end clearances, 4) blade end shrouding, and 5) blade boundary layer and wake centrifugation. The spanwise mixing phenomenon is modeled as a diffusion process, where the mixing coefficient is related to the calculated spanwise secondary velocities. Empirical adjustments are employed to account for the dissipation of the secondary velocities and interactions with downstream blade rows. The induced blade row overturnings are related to the calculated cross-passage secondary velocities. The nature of the assumptions employed restricts the method to design-point-type applications for which losses are relatively small and significant regions of separated flow are not present.

scholarly journals LES and RANS Analysis of the End-Wall Flow in a Linear LPT Cascade: Part I — Flow and Secondary Vorticity Fields Under Varying Inlet Condition

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Pichler ◽  
Yaomin Zhao ◽  
R. D. Sandberg ◽  
V. Michelassi ◽  
R. Pacciani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Wall Boundary Layer ◽  
Wall Boundary ◽  
Wall Flow ◽  
End Wall ◽  
The Impact

In low-pressure-turbines (LPT) around 60–70% of losses are generated away from end-walls, while the remaining 30–40% is controlled by the interaction of the blade profile with the end-wall boundary layer. Experimental and numerical studies have shown how the strength and penetration of the secondary flow depends on the characteristics of the incoming end-wall boundary layer. Experimental techniques did shed light on the mechanism that controls the growth of the secondary vortices, and scale-resolving CFD allowed to dive deep into the details of the vorticity generation. Along these lines, this paper discusses the end-wall flow characteristics of the T106 LPT profile at Re = 120K and M = 0.59 by benchmarking with experiments and investigating the impact of the incoming boundary layer state. The simulations are carried out with proven Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and large-eddy simulation (LES) solvers to determine if Reynolds Averaged models can capture the relevant flow details with enough accuracy to drive the design of this flow region. Part I of the paper focuses on the critical grid needs to ensure accurate LES, and on the analysis of the overall time averaged flow field and comparison between RANS, LES and measurements when available. In particular, the growth of secondary flow features, the trace and strength of the secondary vortex system, its impact on the blade load variation along the span and end-wall flow visualizations are analysed. The ability of LES and RANS to accurately predict the secondary flows is discussed together with the implications this has on design.

Visualization Study of Flow in Axial Flow Inducer

1972 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 777-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Lakshminarayana
Keyword(s):  
Radial Velocity ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Flow Theory ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Flow Through

A visualization study of the flow through a three ft dia model of a four bladed inducer, which is operated in air at a flow coefficient of 0.065, is reported in this paper. The flow near the blade surfaces, inside the rotating passages, downstream and upstream of the inducer is visualized by means of smoke, tufts, ammonia filament, and lampblack techniques. Flow is found to be highly three dimensional, with appreciable radial velocity throughout the entire passage. The secondary flows observed near the hub and annulus walls agree with qualitative predictions obtained from the inviscid secondary flow theory. Based on these investigations, methods of modeling the flow are discussed.

scholarly journals Secondary Flow Control in Low Aspect Ratio Vanes Using Splitters

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Clark ◽  
Graham Pullan ◽  
Eric Curtis ◽  
Frederic Goenaga
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Flow Strength ◽  
Low Aspect Ratio ◽  
End Wall

Low aspect ratio vanes, often the result of overall engine architecture constraints, create strong secondary flows and high end-wall loss. In this paper, a splitter concept is demonstrated that reduces secondary flow strength and improves stage performance. An analytic conceptual study, corroborated by inviscid computations, shows that the total secondary kinetic energy (SKE) of the secondary flow vortices is reduced when the number of passages is increased and, for a given number of vanes, when the inlet end-wall boundary layer is evenly distributed between the passages. Viscous computations show that, for this to be achieved in a splitter configuration, the pressure-side leg of the low aspect ratio vane horseshoe vortex, must enter the adjacent passage (and not “jump” in front of the splitter leading edge). For a target turbine application, four vane designs were produced using a multi-objective optimization approach. These designs represent current practice for a low aspect ratio vane, a design exempt from thickness constraints, and two designs incorporating splitter vanes. Each geometry is tested experimentally, as a sector, within a low-speed turbine stage. The vane designs with splitter geometries were found to reduce the measured secondary kinetic energy, by up to 85%, to a value similar to the design exempt from thickness constraints. The resulting flow field was also more uniform in both the circumferential and radial directions. One splitter design was selected for a full annulus test where a mixed-out loss reduction, compared to the current practice design, of 15.3% was measured and the stage efficiency increased by 0.88%.

Secondary Flow, Turbulent Diffusion, and Mixing in Axial-Flow Compressors

1987 ◽  
Vol 109 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. Wisler ◽  
R. C. Bauer ◽  
T. H. Okiishi
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Turbulent Diffusion ◽  
Fluid Motion ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Tracer Gas ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Diffusive Effects ◽  
Experimental Findings ◽  
Axial Flow Compressors

The relative importance of convection by secondary flows and diffusion by turbulence as mechanisms responsible for mixing in multistage, axial-flow compressors has been investigated by using the ethylene tracer-gas technique and hot-wire anemometry. The tests were conducted at two loading levels in a large, low-speed, four-stage compressor. The experimental results show that considerable cross-passage and spanwise fluid motion can occur and that both secondary flow and turbulent diffusion can play important roles in the mixing process, depending upon location in the compressor and loading level. In the so-called freestream region, turbulent diffusion appeared to be the dominant mixing mechanism. However, near the endwalls and along airfoil surfaces at both loading levels, the convective effects from secondary flow were of the same order of magnitude as, and in some cases greater than, the diffusive effects from turbulence. Calculations of the secondary flowfield and mixing coefficients support the experimental findings.

Investigation of a Novel Secondary Flow Feature in a Turbine Cascade With End Wall Profiling

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (1) ◽  
pp. 209-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant Ingram ◽  
David Gregory-Smith ◽  
Neil Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Pressure Probe ◽  
Unexpected Result ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Flow Angle ◽  
Passage Vortex ◽  
Flow Feature ◽  
New Feature ◽  
End Wall

A novel secondary flow feature, previously unreported for turbine blading as far as the authors are aware, has been discovered. It has been found that it is possible to separate part of the inlet boundary layer on the blade row end wall as it is being over-turned and rolled up into the passage vortex. This flow feature has been discovered during a continuing investigation into the aerodynamic effects of non-axisymmetric end wall profiling. Previous work, using the low speed linear cascade at Durham University, has shown the potential of end wall profiling for reducing secondary losses. The latest study, the results of which are described here, was undertaken to determine the limits of what end wall profiling can achieve. The flow has been investigated in detail with pressure probe traversing and surface flow visualization. This has found that the inlet boundary locally separates, on the early suction side of the passage, generating significant extra loss which feeds directly into the core of the passage vortex. The presence of this new feature gives rise to the unexpected result that the secondary flow, as determined by the exit flow angle deviations and levels of secondary kinetic energy, can be reduced while at the same time the loss is increased. CFD was found to calculate the secondary flows moderately well compared with measurements. However, CFD did not predict this new feature, nor the increase in loss it caused. It is concluded that the application of non-axisymmetric end wall profiling, although it has been shown to be highly beneficial, can give rise to adverse features that current CFD tools are unable to predict. Improvements to CFD capability are required in order to be able to avoid such features, and obtain the full potential of end wall profiling.

Improving Efficiency of a High Work Turbine Using Non-Axisymmetric Endwalls: Part II—Time-Resolved Flow Physics

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Schuepbach ◽  
R. S. Abhari ◽  
M. G. Rose ◽  
T. Germain ◽  
I. Raab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Guide Vane ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Streamwise Vorticity ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Flow Physics ◽  
High Work

This paper is the second part of a two part paper that reports on the improvement of efficiency of a one-and-half stage high work axial flow turbine. The first part covered the design of the endwall profiling as well as a comparison with steady probe data, this part covers the analysis of the time-resolved flow physics. The focus is on the time-resolved flow physics that lead to a total-to-total stage efficiency improvement of Δηtt = 1.0% ± 0.4%. The investigated geometry is a model of a high work (Δh/U2 = 2.36), axial shroudless HP turbine. The time-resolved measurements have been acquired upstream and downstream of the rotor using a Fast Response Aerodynamic Probe (FRAP). The paper contains a detailed analysis of the secondary flow field that is changed between the axisymmetric and the non-axisymmetric endwall profiling cases. The flowfield at exit of the first stator is improved considerably due to non-axisymmetric endwall profiling and results in reduced secondary flow and a reduction of loss at both hub and tip, as well as a reduced trailing shed vorticity. The rotor has reduced losses and a reduction of secondary flows mainly at the hub. At the rotor exit the flow field with non-axisymmetric endwalls is more homogenous due to the reduction of secondary flows in the two rows upstream of the measurement plane. This confirms that non-axisymmetric endwall profiling is an effective tool for reducing secondary losses in axial turbines. Using a frozen flow assumption the time-resolved data is used to estimate the axial velocity gradients, which are then used to evaluate the streamwise vorticity and dissipation. The non-axisymmetric endwall profiling of the first nozzle guide vane show reductions of dissipation and streamwise vorticity due to reduced trailing shed vorticity. This smaller vorticity explains the reduction of loss at mid-span, which is shown in the first part of the two part paper. This leads to the conclusion that non-axisymmetric endwall profiling also has the potential of reducing trailing shed vorticity.

Non-Axisymmetric End Wall Profiling in Transonic Compressors—Part II: Design Study of a Transonic Compressor Rotor Using Non-Axisymmetric End Walls—Optimization Strategies and Performance

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Reising ◽  
Heinz-Peter Schiffer
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Cfd Simulation ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Cross Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
End Wall ◽  
Total Pressure Ratio ◽  
Isentropic Efficiency

Secondary flows involving cross flow at high stage loading in modern axial compressors contribute significantly to efficiency limits. This paper summarizes an approach to control end wall flow using non-axisymmetric end walls. The challenge is to find the optimal non-axisymmetric end wall shape that results in the largest gain in performance. An automated multi-objective optimizer connected to a 3-D RANS flow solver was used to design the end wall contour. The process chain was applied to the rotor hub end wall of Configuration I of the Darmstadt Transonic Compressor. Several optimization strategies involving different objective functions to be minimized and the corresponding performances were compared. The parameters considered within the optimization process were isentropic stage efficiency, pressure loss in the rotor, throat area and secondary kinetic energy (SKE). A parameter variation was undertaken, leading to the following observations: Strong penalties on SKE at the rotor outlet and moderate penalties on isentropic efficiency, throat area and pressure ratio led to the best design. Isentropic efficiency could be raised by 0.12%, SKE at the rotor exit was reduced while the total pressure ratio of the stage remained constant. Strong penalties on efficiency and pressure ratio, a moderate one on throat area and a small one on SKE at the rotor outlet all led to a smaller increase in efficiency: 0.06%. On the other hand, a slight raise in the total pressure ratio could be achieved. A third optimization, eliminating the restriction on the throat area, was carried out to see which benefit in performance could be achieved without this geometrical restriction. Since the throat areas of all optimized geometries differ slightly from the datum value, an estimation was derived to see the extent to which the end wall profiling and cross section enlargement contribute to the improvements. Finally, a method to display secondary flows in turbomachinery is introduced. A second CFD simulation is used to calculate the primary flow where the hub end wall is defined as an Euler wall to avoid the end wall boundary layer and so eliminate the cause for some of the secondary flow mechanisms. This method clearly shows how the characteristics of secondary flow can be positively influenced by using non-axisymmetric end walls.

Some Effects of Non-Axisymmetric End Wall Profiling on Axial Flow Compressor Aerodynamics: Part I—Linear Cascade Investigation

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. W. Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Suction Surface ◽  
Secondary Loss ◽  
End Wall

Non-axisymmetric end wall profiling is now a well established design methodology in axial flow turbines, used principally to improve their aerodynamic efficiency by reducing secondary loss. However, profiled end walls (PEWs) have yet to find an in-service application in a gas turbine compressor. This two-part paper presents the results of a number of studies, both experimental and computational, into the potential aerodynamic benefits of applying PEWs in axial flow compressors. The first paper reports research carried out using a linear compressor stator cascade at Cambridge University. The datum geometry was based on previous research with this cascade. The PEW geometry was generated using a method that had been proven to reduce secondary loss in turbine blade rows. Data was taken on the datum and PEW geometries in the form of exit area traverses and surface static pressure measurements. The experiments demonstrated improvements to the exit flow field in terms of local reductions in the loss and under-turning in the secondary flow region due to the PEW. It was found that the original design method had over estimated the benefits of the PEW. The datum and PEW geometries were further analysed using state-of-the-art CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). The CFD is shown to achieve very good agreement with measurement at the design condition and a reasonable, qualitative match at off-design. It is concluded that the PEW geometry, though not optimum, effected predictable changes to the compressor stator flow field. The mechanisms for these effects are discussed and conclusions are drawn for taking the work forward. In particular, a mechanism is identified whereby the PEW enhances the cross-flow on the end wall and the subsequent radial migration of the secondary flow adjacent to the aerofoil suction surface. The control of corner stall by means of this flow mechanism is highlighted as a possible area for further investigation. This is followed up in the second paper, which presents a computational study of applying PEWs to a multi-stage HP compressor.

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