An Axial Compressor End-Wall Boundary Layer Theory

1971 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 300-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. L. Mellor ◽  
G. M. Wood

The essential ingredient missing in existing prediction methods for the performance of multistage axial compressors is that which would account for the effect of end-wall boundary layers. It is, in fact, believed that end-wall boundary layers play a major role in compressor performance and the absence of an adequate theory represents a handicap to turbomachinery designers that might be likened to the handicap that designers of wings, for example, would face if Prandtl had not introduced the idea of a boundary layer. In this paper a new theory is developed which retains all elements of classical boundary layer theory; for example, we discuss variables such as momentum thickness and wall shear stress. However, the present theory introduces new concepts such as axial and tangential defect force thickness, a rotor exit-stator inlet “jump condition” and the importance of these concepts is demonstrated. Inherent in the derivation is an identification of the role of secondary flow and tip clearance flow. A proper means of matching the boundary layer calculations to conventional main stream calculations is suggested. Independent of empirical parametization it appears that the theory is capable of correctly modeling boundary layer blockage, losses, and end-wall stall. Near stall, the main stream-boundary layer interaction is very strong.

1979 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. De Ruyck ◽  
C. Hirsch ◽  
P. Kool

An axial compressor end-wall boundary layer theory which requires the introduction of three-dimensional velocity profile models is described. The method is based on pitch-averaged boundary layer equations and contains blade force-defect terms for which a new expression in function of transverse momentum thickness is introduced. In presence of tip clearance a component of the defect force proportional to the clearance over blade height ratio is also introduced. In this way two constants enter the model. It is also shown that all three-dimensional velocity profile models present inherent limitations with regard to the range of boundary layer momentum thicknesses they are able to represent. Therefore a new heuristic velocity profile model is introduced, giving higher flexibility. The end-wall boundary layer calculation allows a correction of the efficiency due to end-wall losses as well as calculation of blockage. The two constants entering the model are calibrated and compared with experimental data allowing a good prediction of overall efficiency including clearance effects and aspect ratio. Besides, the method allows a prediction of radial distribution of velocities and flow angles including the end-wall region and examples are shown compared to experimental data.


1986 ◽  
Vol 108 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. B. Roberts ◽  
G. K. Serovy ◽  
D. M. Sandercock

A model of the spanwise variation of the 3-D flow effects on deviation is proposed for middle-stage rotors and stators. This variation is taken as the difference above or below that predicted by blade element theory at any spanwise location. It was found that the stator variation is strongly affected by the end-wall boundary-layer thickness as well as camber, solidity, and blade channel aspect ratio. Rotor variation was found to depend on end-wall boundary layer thickness and tip clearance normalized by blade span. If these parameters are known or can be calculated, the models provide a reasonable approximation to the spanwise variation of deviation for middle compressor stages operating at low to high subsonic inlet Mach numbers.


1981 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. De Ruyck ◽  
C. Hirsch

A previously developed axial compressor end-wall boundary layer calculation method which requires the introduction of three-dimensional velocity profile models is summarized. In this method the classical three-dimensional velocity profile models were shown to present inherent limitations at stall limit, with regard to the range of transverse boundary layer thicknesses they are able to represent. A corrected profile model is presented which contains no more limitations without affecting the previous found overall results. Stall limit is predicted by limiting values of shape factor and/or diffusion factor. The new profile model containing also compressibility effects allows the calculation of boundary layers in machines with shrouded blades, by simulating the jump between rotating and non rotating parts of the walls. A corrected version of a force defect correlation is presented which is shown to give better agreement at high incidences. Some results on high and low speed machines are discussed. The model is applied to obtain an end-wall blockage correlation depending on geometry, flow coefficient, AVR, aspect ratio, solidity, diffusion factor, Reynolds number, axial blade spacing, tip clearance and inlet boundary layer thickness. A quantitative estimation of the losses associated with the end-wall boundary layers can be obtained using this analysis and therefore can be a useful tool in the design of an axial compressor stage.


1975 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. F. Balsa ◽  
G. L. Mellor

This paper summarizes the development of a computer program to simulate axial compressor performance. The program incorporates a well-established technique for cascade performance prediction and a modified radial equilibrium method of calculating the mainstream axial velocity distribution. The program’s most important feature is a new theory of annulus wall boundary layers which predicts annulus boundary layer development and losses. The empirical input to the present annulus wall boundary layer model is very restricted and involves well defined quantities: shape factor, skin friction, and leakage coefficients. Special provision is made for cases where the annulus wall boundary layers are merged; this aspect needs improvement however. Theoretically derivable losses due to the annulus wall, in combination with cascade losses, yield overall compressor efficiency. In the interest of being abstemious with empiricism, no attempt has been made to introduce high Mach number cascade loss corrections at this time and the values of the empirical parameters in the boundary layer theory are held fixed. Considering the very restricted empirical content of the model and the absence of adjustable parameters, the current predictions of compressor performance are quite good.


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