Flow Control in an Aggressive Interturbine Transition Duct Using Low Profile Vortex Generators

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanfeng Zhang ◽  
Shuzhen Hu ◽  
Xue-Feng Zhang ◽  
Michael Benner ◽  
Ali Mahallati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Flow Control ◽  
Separated Flow ◽  
Adverse Pressure Gradient ◽  
Boundary Layer Separation ◽  
Vortex Generators ◽  
Pressure Losses ◽  
Layer Separation ◽  
Low Profile ◽  
Flow Mechanisms

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the flow mechanisms in an aggressive interturbine transition duct with and without low-profile vortex generators flow control. The interturbine duct had an area ratio of 1.53 and a mean rise angle of 35 deg. Measurements were made inside the annulus at a Reynolds number of 150,000. At the duct inlet, the background turbulence intensity was raised to 2.3% and a uniform swirl angle of 20 deg was established with a 48-airfoil vane ring. Results for the baseline case (no vortex generators) showed the flow structures within the duct were dominated by counter-rotating vortices and boundary layer separation in both the casing and hub regions. The combination of the adverse pressure gradient at the casing's first bend and upstream low momentum wakes caused the boundary layer to separate on the casing. The separated flow on the casing appears to reattach at the second bend. Counter-rotating and corotating vortex generators were installed on the casing. While both vortex generators significantly decreased the casing boundary layer separation with consequential reduction of overall pressure losses, the corotating configuration was found to be more effective.

Flow Control in an Aggressive Inter-Turbine Duct Using Low Profile Vortex Generators

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanfeng Zhang ◽  
Shuzhen Hu ◽  
Xue Feng Zhang ◽  
Michael Benner ◽  
Edward Vlasic
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Radial Pressure ◽  
Boundary Layer Separation ◽  
Vortex Generators ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Streamwise Vortices ◽  
Streamwise Vorticity ◽  
Layer Separation ◽  
Low Profile ◽  
Flow Mechanisms

This paper presents the experimental investigation of the flow in an aggressive inter-turbine duct (AITD). The goal is to improve the understanding of the flow mechanisms within the AITD and of the underlying physics of low-profile vortex generators (LPVGs). The flow structures in the AITD are dominated by counter-rotating vortices and boundary layer separations in both the casing and hub regions. At the first bend of the AITD, the casing boundary layer separates in a 3D mode because of the upstream wakes; this is followed by a massive 2D boundary layer separation. Due to the effect of the radial pressure gradient at the first bend, the streamwise vorticity generated by the casing 3D separation stays close to the casing endwall, and later mixes with the casing counter-rotating vortices formed at the second bend. By using LPVGs with different configurations installed on the casing, the casing boundary layer separation is significantly reduced. The streamwise vortices generated by the LPVGs have the potential to generate another pair of counter-rotating vortices at the AITD second bend, which help to delay/prevent the boundary layer separation. Therefore, the total pressure loss in the AITD was significantly reduced.

Turbulent boundary layer separation control and loss evaluation of low profile vortex generators

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1505-1513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Lengani ◽  
Daniele Simoni ◽  
Marina Ubaldi ◽  
Pietro Zunino ◽  
Francesco Bertini
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Turbulent Boundary Layer ◽  
Boundary Layer Separation ◽  
Vortex Generators ◽  
Separation Control ◽  
Layer Separation ◽  
Low Profile

Flow Separation Control in an Annular to Conical Diffuser Using Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Wall Steps

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kin Pong Lo ◽  
Christopher J. Elkins ◽  
John K. Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Flow Control ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Adverse Pressure Gradient ◽  
Boundary Layer Separation ◽  
Core Flow ◽  
Layer Separation ◽  
Wall Boundary Layer ◽  
Wall Boundary

Conical diffusers are often installed downstream of a turbomachine with a central hub. Previous studies showed that nonstreamlined hubs had extended separated wakes that reduced the adverse pressure gradient in the diffuser. Active flow control techniques can rapidly close the central separation bubble, but this restores the adverse pressure gradient, which can cause the outer wall boundary layer to separate. The present study focuses on the use of a step-wall diffuser to stabilize the wall boundary layer separation in the presence of core flow control. Three-component mean velocity data for a set of conical diffusers were acquired using magnetic resonance velocimetry. The results showed the step-wall diffuser stabilized the wall boundary layer separation by fixing its location. An axisymmetric step separation bubble was formed. A step with a periodically varying height reduced the reattachment length of the step separation and allowed the diffuser to be shortened. The step-wall diffuser was found to be robust in a range of core flow velocity profiles. The minimum distance between the core flow control mechanism and the step-wall diffuser as well as the minimum length of the step were determined.

Micro-Actuated Delta Wings Induced Control of Boundary Layer Separation

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augusto Lori ◽  
Savaas Xanthos ◽  
Mahmoud Ardebili ◽  
Yiannis Andreopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Separated Flow ◽  
Adverse Pressure Gradient ◽  
Boundary Layer Separation ◽  
Wall Region ◽  
Delta Wings ◽  
Layer Separation ◽  
Favorable Pressure Gradient ◽  
Dimensional Boundary

Control of boundary layer separation has been investigated employing an array of micro-actuated delta winglets. The flow with the array is simulated computationally in an initially two-dimensional boundary layer, which is subjected to a Favorable Pressure Gradient (FPG) that accelerated the flow substantially, followed by an Adverse Pressure Gradient (APG) where the flow decelerated, the two successive distortions cause a flow separation in the boundary layer developing on the opposite wall of the wind tunnel. The simulations capture vortices formed by the impulsive motion of the delta wings. The vortices are part of recirculating zone in the wake of the actuators, which as they advect downstream, bring high momentum fluid into the near wall region of a separated flow. Preliminary results indicate micro-actuated delta wings array affect boundary layer separation favorably.

A Simple Means of Measuring Vortex Strength, and the Performance of Triangular Ramp-Type Vortex Generators in a Uniform Velocity Field

1962 ◽  
Vol 66 (624) ◽  
pp. 783-785
Author(s):  
A. D. McEwan ◽  
P. N. Joubert
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Velocity Field ◽  
Adverse Pressure Gradient ◽  
Boundary Layer Separation ◽  
Vortex Generators ◽  
Measuring Device ◽  
Vortex Strength ◽  
Layer Separation ◽  
Uniform Velocity ◽  
Edge Separation

The performance of triangular ramp vortex generators of a type used for boundary layer separation control, has been compared with that of equivalent wing or vane type of lifting generators, in a uniform velocity field, and was shown to be substantially inferior. Performance was established using a novel vortex strength measuring device of unusual simplicity, for which calibrations are given and applications are discussed.The usefulness of vortex generators in avoiding boundary layer separation due to an adverse pressure gradient has been established. Little, however, is known of the nature of vortex modified boundary layers. As part of an investigation into convective heat transfer through such layers it was desired to compare the circulation-drag performance of two representative generator configuration types, these being the popularly used stub wing or vane type, and the edge separation, plough or wedge type.

Boundary Layer Separation Control on a Flat Plate With Adverse Pressure Gradients Using Vortex Generators

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Canepa ◽  
Davide Lengani ◽  
Francesca Satta ◽  
Ennio Spano ◽  
Marina Ubaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Particle Image Velocimetry ◽  
Flat Plate ◽  
Particle Image ◽  
Boundary Layer Separation ◽  
Vortex Generators ◽  
Separation Control ◽  
Pressure Gradients ◽  
Layer Separation ◽  
Image Velocimetry

The continuous tendency in modern aeroengine gas turbines towards reduction of blade count and ducts length may lead to aerodynamic loading increase beyond the limit of boundary layer separation. For this reason boundary layer separation control methods, up to now mostly employed in external aerodynamics, begin to be experimented in internal flows applications. The present paper reports the results of a detailed experimental study on low profile vortex generators used to control boundary layer separation on a large-scale flat plate with prescribed adverse pressure gradients. Inlet turbulent boundary layer conditions and pressure gradients are representative of aggressive turbine intermediate ducts. This activity is part of a joint European research program on Aggressive Intermediate Duct Aerodynamics (AIDA). The pressure gradients on the flat plate are generated by increasing the aperture angle of a movable wall opposite to the flat plate. To avoid separation on the movable wall, boundary layer suction is applied on it. Complementary measurements (surface static pressure distributions, surface flow visualizations by means of wall mounted tufts, instantaneous and time-averaged velocity fields in the meridional and cross-stream planes by means of Particle Image Velocimetry) have been used to survey the flow with and without vortex generators. Three different pressure gradients, which induce turbulent separation in absence of boundary layer control, were tested. Vortex generators height and location effects on separation reduction and pressure recovery increase were investigated. For the most effective VGs configurations detailed analyses of the flow field were performed, that demonstrate the effectiveness of this passive control device to control separation in diffusing ducts. Particle Image Velocimetry vector and vorticity plots illustrate the mechanisms by which the vortex generators transfer momentum towards the surface, re-energizing the near-wall flow and preserving the boundary layer from separation.

Control of Highly Loaded Airfoil Boundary Layer Separation

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augusto Lori ◽  
Mahmoud Ardebili ◽  
Yiannis Andreopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Delta Wing ◽  
Separated Flow ◽  
Boundary Layer Separation ◽  
Wall Region ◽  
High Momentum ◽  
Impulsive Motion ◽  
Delta Wings ◽  
Layer Separation ◽  
Highly Loaded

Control of boundary layer separation has been investigated employing micro-actuated delta winglets. The flow with the array is simulated computationally on two-dimensional airfoil boundary layer. The simulations capture vortices formed by the impulsive motion of the delta wings. The vortices are part of recirculating zone in the wake of the actuator, which as they advect downstream, bring high momentum fluid into the near wall region of a separated flow. Preliminary results indicate micro-actuated delta wing array affect boundary layer separation favorably.

Transient Performance of Separated Flows: Characterization and Active Flow Control

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Saavedra ◽  
G. Paniagua
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Flow Control ◽  
Boundary Layer Separation ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Separated Flows ◽  
Shear Stresses ◽  
Recirculation Bubble ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Layer Separation ◽  
Inlet Conditions

The aerothermal performance of the low pressure turbine in UAVs’ is significantly abated at high altitude, due to boundary layer separation. During past years different flow control strategies have been proposed to prevent boundary layer separation, such as dielectric barrier discharges, synthetic jets, vortex generators. However, the optimization of the control approach requires a better characterization of the separated regions at several frequencies. The present investigation analyzes the behavior of separated flows, and specifically reports the inception, reattachment and separation length, that allows the development of more efficient methods to manipulate flow separation under non-tempo-rally uniform inlet conditions. The development of separated flows under sudden flow accelerations or pulsating inlet conditions were investigated with series of numerical simulations including Unsteady Reynolds Average Navier Stokes and Large Eddy Simulations. The present research was performed on a wall mounted hump, which imposes an adverse pressure gradient representative of the suction side of low pressure turbines. The heat transfer and wall shear stresses were fully documented, as well as the flow velocity and temperature profiles at different axial locations to characterize the near wall flow properties and the thermal boundary layer. Through a sudden flow acceleration we looked into the dynamic response of the shear layer detachment as it is modulated by the mean flow evolution. Similarly, we studied the behavior of the recirculation bubble under periodic disturbances imposed by sinusoidal inlet total pressure signals at various frequencies ranging from 10 to 500 Hz. During each period the Reynolds number oscillates between 40000 and 180000 (based on a characteristic length of 0.1 m). Finally, as a first step into the flow control approach we added a slot in our geometry to allow flow injection and ingestion just upstream of the separation inception. Exploring the behavior of the separated region at different slot pressure conditions we defined the envelope for its periodic actuation. Thanks to that analysis, we found that matching the actuator frequency with the frequency response of the separated region the performance of the actuation is boosted.

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