scholarly journals Effects of the Tip Clearance Flow Field on the Secondary Losses

1991 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Kaldellis ◽  
D. T. Katramatos ◽  
P. D. Ktenidis
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
Flow Compressor ◽  
Vorticity Transport ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Secondary Flow Field

In this paper an extension of our secondary flow calculation method is presented in order to estimate the influence of the tip clearance on the secondary flow field. The impact of the tip clearance vortex is embodied in the method so that the secondary vorticity field, based on the complete form of the meridional vorticity transport equation is properly modified. In this way the changes of the secondary flow field quantities are predicted along with the resulting additional losses imposed by the existence of the tip clearance. The estimated tip clearance losses, based on the flow field structure, are compared to results obtained from various semi-empirical loss correlations found in the literature. Several cases encountered in axial flow compressor configurations are investigated and the calculated results are favourably compared to experimental data and results of previous calculations. Additionally, in order to clarify the influence of the tip clearance structure upon the secondary flow field, cases with and without tip clearance are also examined.

Numerical Investigations of the Coupled Flow Through a Subsonic Compressor Rotor and Axial Skewed Slot

2008 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingen Lu ◽  
Wuli Chu ◽  
Junqiang Zhu ◽  
Yangfeng Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Casing Treatment ◽  
Axial Flow Compressor ◽  
Compressor Rotor ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Flow Compressor

In order to advance the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of axial skewed slot casing treatment and their effects on the subsonic axial-flow compressor flow field, the coupled unsteady flow through a subsonic compressor rotor and the axial skewed slot was simulated with a state-of-the-art multiblock flow solver. The computational results were first compared with available measured data, that showed the numerical procedure calculates the overall effect of the axial skewed slot correctly. Then, the numerically obtained flow fields were interrogated to identify the physical mechanism responsible for improvement in stall margin of a modern subsonic axial-flow compressor rotor due to the discrete skewed slots. It was found that the axial skewed slot casing treatment can increase the stall margin of subsonic compressor by repositioning of the tip clearance flow trajectory further toward the trailing of the blade passage and retarding the movement of the incoming∕tip clearance flow interface toward the rotor leading edge plane.

Physics of Tip Clearance Flow in Turbomachinery (Keynote Paper)

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiro Inoue ◽  
Masato Furukawa
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Physical Interpretation ◽  
Vortex Core ◽  
Vortical Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
Flow Phenomena

In a recent advanced aerodynamic design of turbomachinery, the physical interpretation of three-dimensional flow field obtained by a numerical simulation is important for iterative modifications of the blade or impeller geometry. This paper describes an approach to the physical interpretation of the tip clearance flow in turbomachinery. First, typical flow phenomena of the tip clearance flow are outlined for axial and radial compressors, pumps and turbines to help comprehensive understanding of the tip clearance flow. Then, a vortex-core identification method which enables to extract the vortical structure from the complicated flow field is introduced, since elucidation of the vortical structure is essential to the physical interpretation of the tip clearance flow. By use of the vortex-core identification, some interesting phenomena of the tip clearance flows are interpreted, especially focussing on axial flow compressors.

Effect of Tip Clearance on the Prediction of Nonsynchronous Vibrations in Axial Compressors

2012 ◽  
Vol 135 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Drolet ◽  
Huu Duc Vo ◽  
Njuki W. Mureithi
Keyword(s):  
Operating Temperature ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Background Theory ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
Flow Compressor ◽  
Nonsynchronous Vibrations

This work investigates the effect of tip clearance size and operating temperature on the predictions of the critical rotor speed at which nonsynchronous vibrations (NSV) can be encountered in a turbine engine axial flow compressor. It has been proposed that the tangential tip clearance flow, observed at high blade loading near stall, can act as an impinging resonant jet on the upcoming blades and could be the underlying physics behind NSV. A model, in the form of an equation to predict the critical blade tip speed at which NSV can occur, was proposed based on the Jet-Core Feedback Theory and was experimentally verified by Thomassin et al. (2008, “Experimental Demonstration to the Tip Clearance Flow Resonance Behind Compressor NSV,” Proceedings of GT2008: ASME Turbo Expo Power for Land, Sea and Air, Berlin, Germany, Jun. 9–13, Paper No. GT2008-50303). In the equation, a factor k that was called the “tip instability convection coefficient” was measured experimentally and found to be influenced by the tip clearance size and operating temperature. This factor has a significant impact on the accuracy of the NSV predictions obtained using the proposed model. This paper propose a numerical experiment to determine the effect of tip clearance size and temperature on k, in order to improve the critical NSV tip speed predictions using the proposed model. A review of the NSV model is presented along with the relevant background theory on the subject. Two different blade geometries are simulated to provide a generic approach to the study. The leakage flow velocity is calculated to estimate k and a correlation is proposed to model the behavior of the k parameter as a function of the tip clearance size. The latter was found to significantly improve the critical NSV speed predictions. The effect of operating temperature on k is also discussed. Finally, the variation of k with the aerodynamic loading is assessed and compared with available data in the literature to strengthen the generic nature of the results.

scholarly journals Numerical and Experimental Investigations of Steady Micro-Tip Injection on a Subsonic Axial-Flow Compressor Rotor

2006 ◽  
Vol 2006 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingen Lu ◽  
Wuli Chu ◽  
Junqiang Zhu ◽  
Zhiting Tong
Keyword(s):  
Mass Flow ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Air Injection ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Compressor Rotor ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
Tip Injection ◽  
Flow Compressor

Steady tip injection has been demonstrated to be an effective means of extending the stable operating range of a tip-critical compressor. This study presents a state-of-the-art design for the tip injection through the casing with flush-mounted inclined holes and the effectiveness of steady micro-air injection to enhance stability in a subsonic axial-flow compressor rotor using an external-air supply. For the tested rotor, experimental results demonstrate that at 53% design speed, the stalling mass flow can be reduced by 7.69% using an injected mass flow equivalent to 0.064% of the annulus flow. Time-dependent CFD simulations were conducted to identify the physical mechanic that accounts for the beneficial effects of the steady micro-air injection on the performance and stability of the compressor. Detailed analyses of the flow visualization at the tip have exposed the different tip flow topologies between the cases without tip injection and with tip injection. It was found that the primary stall margin enhancement afforded by the steady micro-air injection is a result of the tip-clearance flow manipulation. The repositioning of the tip-clearance vortex further towards the trailing edge of the blade passage and delaying the movement of incoming/tip-clearance flow interface to the leading edge plane are the physical mechanisms responsible for extending the compressor stall margin.

scholarly journals Flow Analysis in a Spiral Inducer Impeller

1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. G. Howard ◽  
B. R. Hutchinson ◽  
R. B. Broberg
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Flow Swirl ◽  
Upstream Flow ◽  
Secondary Flow Field

The flow within an axial-flow spiral inducer impeller is complex and three-dimensional. The long but tightly-spiralled passages give rise to secondary flow fields strongly influenced by the blade walls. Flow analysis in such an impeller is carried out by a three-dimensional viscous flow code and compared with previously published LDV measurements. Due to the extreme blade angles of the inducer, an unconventional meshing strategy is required in order to prevent high mesh non-orthogonality. Details of that strategy are provided. Tip clearance modelling was not incorporated in this first stage of investigation. Despite this, the flow analysis reveals the pattern of development of the secondary flow field along the length of the high solidity passage consistent with the LDV data but in much greater detail than was possible with the limited capability of the measurement system. Predicted flow patterns upstream suggest preconditions for the initiation of the observed induction of upstream flow swirl at reduced flow rates.

A Correlation of Leakage Vortex Cavitation in Axial-Flow Pumps

1994 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. J. Farrell ◽  
M. L. Billet
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Suction Side ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Vortical Flow ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
High Reynolds

Tip clearance flow in turbomachinery can lead to losses in efficiency and stall margin. In liquid handling turbomachinery, the vortical flow field, formed from the interaction of the leakage flow with the through-flow, is subject to cavitation. Furthermore, this flow field is complex and not well understood. A correlation of variables which predict the vortex minimum pressure has been formulated. Measurements of the important variables for this correlation have been made on a high Reynolds number (3 × 106) axial-flow test rig. The correlation has been applied to the measured data and other data sets from the literature with good agreement. An optimum tip clearance has been theoretically identified as experiments have shown. Observations of cavitation indicate a second vortex originating along the suction side trailing edge.

Effect of Tip Clearance on the Prediction of Non-Synchronous Vibrations in Axial Compressors

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Drolet ◽  
Huu Duc Vo ◽  
Njuki W. Mureithi
Keyword(s):  
Operating Temperature ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Background Theory ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
Flow Compressor

This work investigates the effect of tip clearance size and operating temperature on the predictions of the critical rotor speed at which Non-Synchronous Vibrations (NSV) can be encountered in a turbine engine axial flow compressor. It has been proposed that the tangential tip clearance flow, observed at high blade loading near stall, can act as an impinging resonant jet on the upcoming blades and could be the underlying physics behind NSV. A model, in the form of an equation to predict the critical blade tip speed at which NSV can occur, was proposed based on the Jet-Core Feedback Theory and was experimentally verified by Thomassin et al. [8]. In the equation, a factor k that was called the “tip instability convection coefficient” was measured experimentally and found to be influenced by the tip clearance size and operating temperature. This factor has a significant impact on the accuracy of the NSV predictions obtained using the proposed model. This paper propose a numerical experiment to determine the effect of tip clearance size and temperature on k, in order to improve the critical NSV tip speed predictions using the proposed model. A review of the NSV model is presented along with the relevant background theory on the subject. Two different blade geometries are simulated to provide a generic approach to the study. The leakage flow velocity is calculated to estimate k and a correlation is proposed to model the behavior of the k parameter as a function of the tip clearance size. The latter was found to significantly improve the critical NSV speed predictions. The effect of operating temperature on k is also discussed. Finally, the variation of k with the aerodynamic loading is assessed and compared with available data in the literature to strengthen the generic nature of the results.

The Prediction of the Tip Clearance Vortex Circulation and its Induced Flow Field in Axial Flow Machines

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. K. Nikolos ◽  
D. I. Douvikas ◽  
K. D. Papailiou
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Meridional Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Calculation Procedure ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Radial Profiles ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
Flow Effects ◽  
Induced Velocity

A model for the prediction of the leakage vortex circulation was developed, based on the assumption that the leakage jet flow enters as a whole the vortex core, increasing its radius and its moment of momentum in the direction of the vortex axis. Using the assumption that the leakage vortex has a solid body rotation, an expression was derived for the vortex circulation, which demonstrates that this circulation is proportional to the square root of the corresponding tip clearance height. This theoretical result is supported by the available experimental data for both compressors and turbines. A simple model was developed, which demonstrates the ability of the proposed theory to calculate the leakage vortex circulation, provided that the vortex trace is known. A method for predicting the tip clearance effects in the flow field inside and downstream the blade passage, compatible with a meridional flow calculation procedure, has been developed by the authors. The method uses incompressible considerations and accounts for the calculation of the circumferentially mean deficit radial profiles of the various flow quantities. In the calculation procedure the tip clearance flow effects are considered as a modification to the basic flow, existing in the absence of tip clearance. The complete calculation procedure was used in order to calculate the leakage vortex circulation and the induced velocity field in various axial flow cases, with satisfactory results.

The Structure of Tip Clearance Flow in Axial Flow Compressors

1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 336-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Lakshminarayana ◽  
M. Zaccaria ◽  
B. Marathe
Keyword(s):  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Tip Leakage Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Wall Boundary Layer ◽  
Compressor Rotor ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Flow Compressor

Detailed measurements of the flow field in the tip region of an axial flow compressor rotor were carried out using a rotating five-hole probe. The axial, tangential, and radial components of relative velocity, as well as the static and stagnation pressures, were obtained at two axial locations, one at the rotor trailing edge, the other downstream of the rotor. The measurements were taken up to about 26 percent of the blade span from the blade tip. The data are interpreted to understand the complex nature of the flow in the tip region, which involves the interaction of the tip leakage flow, the annulus wall boundary layer and the blade wake. The experimental data show that the leakage jet does not roll up into a vortex. The leakage jet exiting from the tip gap is of high velocity and mixes quickly with the mainstream, producing intense shearing and flow separation. There are substantial differences in the structure of tip clearance observed in cascades and rotors.

scholarly journals Flow Field Investigation in the Exit Region of a Radial Inflow Turbine Using LDV

1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Muthuvel Murugan ◽  
Widen Tabakoff ◽  
Awatef Hamed
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Complex Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Exit Region ◽  
Flow Investigation ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
Radial Inflow Turbine

Detailed flow investigation in the downstream region of a radial inflow turbine has been performed using a three component Laser Doppler Velocimetry. The flow velocities are measured in the exit region of the turbine at off-design operating conditions. The results are presented as contour and vector plots of mean velocities, flow angles and turbulent stresses. The measured parameters are correlated to the rotor blade rotation to observe any periodic nature of the flow. The measurements reveal a complex flow pattern near the tip region at the rotor exit due to the interaction of the tip clearance flow. The degree of swirl of the flow near the tip region at the rotor exit is observed to be high due to the gross under turning of the flow near the tip region. The effect of the rotor on the exit flow field is observed in the proximity of the rotor exit.

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