scholarly journals Physics of Airfoil Clocking in a High-Speed Axial Compressor

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Dorney ◽  
Om P. Sharma ◽  
Karen L. Gundy-Burlet
Keyword(s):  
Relative Motion ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Unsteady Aerodynamics ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Jet Engines ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Significant Performance

Axial compressors have inherently unsteady flow fields because of relative motion between rotor and stator airfoils. This relative motion leads to viscous and inviscid (potential) interactions between blade rows. As the number of stages increases in a turbomachine, the buildup of convected wakes can lead to progressively more complex wake/wake and wake/airfoil interactions. Variations in the relative circumferential positions of stators or rotors can change these interactions, leading to different unsteady forcing functions on airfoils and different compressor efficiencies. In addition, as the Mach number increases the interaction between blade rows can be intensified due to potential effects. In the current study an unsteady, quasi-three-dimensional Navier-Stokes analysis has been used to investigate the unsteady aerodynamics of stator clocking in a 1-1/2 stage compressor, typical of back stages used in high-pressure compressors of advanced commercial jet engines. The effects of turbulence have been modeled with both algebraic and two-equation models. The results presented include steady and unsteady surface pressures, efficiencies, boundary layer quantities and turbulence quantities. The main contribution of the current work has been to show that airfoil clocking can produce significant performance variations at the Mach numbers associated with an engine operating environment. In addition, the growth of turbulence has been quantified to aid in the development of models for the multi-stage steady analyses used in design systems.

Viscous Throughflow Modelling for Multi-Stage Compressor Design

1992 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Howard ◽  
S. J. Gallimore
Keyword(s):  
Shear Force ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Design System ◽  
Flow Angle ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Viscous Shear ◽  
Compressor Design

An existing throughflow method for axial compressors, which accounts for the effects of spanwise mixing using a turbulent diffusion model, has been extended to include the viscous shear force on the endwall. The use of a shear force, consistent with a no-slip condition, on the annulus walls in the throughflow calculations allows realistic predictions of the velocity and flow angle profiles near the endwalls. The annulus wall boundary layers are therefore incorporated directly in the throughflow prediction. This eliminates the need for empirical blockage factors or independent annulus boundary layer calculations. The axisymmetric prediction can be further refined by specifying realistic spanwise variations of loss coefficient and deviation to model the three-dimensional endwall effects. The resulting throughflow calculation gives realistic predictions of flow properties across the whole span of a compressor. This is confirmed by comparison with measured data from both low and high speed multi-stage machines. The viscous throughflow method has been incorporated into an axial compressor design system. The method predicts the meridional velocity defects in the endwall region and consequently blading can be designed which allows for the increased incidence, and low dynamic head, near to the annulus walls.

Considerations for Using 3D Pneumatic Probes in High Speed Axial Compressors

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Coldrick ◽  
Paul Ivey ◽  
Roger Wells
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Pressure Probe ◽  
Probe Type ◽  
Calibration Data ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Multistage Axial Compressor ◽  
Preparatory Work

This paper describes preparatory work towards three dimensional flowfield measurements downstream of the rotor in an industrial, multistage, axial compressor, using a pneumatic pressure probe. The probe is of the steady state four hole cobra probe type. The design manufacture and calibration of the probe is described. CFD calculations have been undertaken in order to assess the feasability of using such a probe in the high speed compressor environment where space is limited. This includes effects of mounting the probe in close proximity to the downstream stator blades and whether it is necessary to adjust the calibration data to compensate for these effects.

Full-Annulus Simulations of Airfoil Clocking in a 1-1/2 Stage Axial Compressor

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Dorney ◽  
D. L. Sondak ◽  
P. G. A. Cizmas ◽  
V. E. Saren ◽  
N. M. Savin
Keyword(s):  
Relative Motion ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Guide Vane ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Inlet Guide Vane ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Computational Research ◽  
Potential Interactions ◽  
Made In

Axial compressors have inherently unsteady flow fields because of relative motion between rotor and stator airfoils. This relative motion leads to viscous and inviscid (potential) interactions between blade rows. As the number of stages increases in a turbomachine, the buildup of convected wakes can lead to progressively more complex wake/wake and wake/airfoil interactions. Variations in the relative circumferential positions of stators or rotors can change these interactions, leading to different unsteady forcing functions on airfoils and different compressor efficiencies. In addition, as the Mach number increases the interaction between blade rows can be intensified due to potential effects. It has been shown, both experimentally and computationally, that airfoil clocking can be used to improve the efficiency and reduce the unsteadiness in multiple-stage axial turbomachines with equal blade counts in alternate blade rows. While previous investigations have provided an improved understanding of the physics associated with airfoil clocking, more research is needed to determine if airfoil clocking is viable for use in modern gas-turbine compressors. This paper presents the results of a combined experimental/computational research effort to study the physics of airfoil clocking in a high-speed axial compressor. Computational simulations have been performed for eight different clocking positions of the stator airfoils in a 1-1/2 stage high-speed compressor. To accurately model the experimental compressor, full-annulus simulations were conducted using 34 IGV, 35 rotor and 34 stator airfoils. It is common practice to modify blade counts to reduce the computational work required to perform turbomachinery simulations, and this approximation has been made in all computational clocking studies performed to date. A simulation was also performed in the present study with 1 inlet guide vane, 1 rotor airfoil, and 1 stator airfoil to model blade rows with 34 airfoils each in order to examine the effects of this approximation. Time-averaged and unsteady data (including performance and boundary layer quantities) were examined. The predicted results indicate that simulating the full annulus gives better qualitative agreement with the experimental data, as well as more accurately modeling the interaction between adjacent blade rows.

scholarly journals A Navier-Stokes Analysis of the Effect of Tip Clearance on Compressor Stall Margin

1995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P. Dring ◽  
William D. Sprout ◽  
Harris D. Weingold
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
High Pressure Compressor ◽  
Practical Tool ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pressure Compressor

A three-dimensional Navier-Stokes calculation was used to analyze the impact of rotor tip clearance on the stall margin of a multi-stage axial compressor. This paper presents a summary of: (1) a study of the sensitivity of the results to grid refinement, (2) an assessment of the calculation’s ability to predict stall margin when the stalling row was the first rotor in a multi-stage rig environment, (3) an analysis of the impact of including the effects of the downstream stator through body force effects on the upstream rotor, and (4) the ability of the calculation to predict the impact of tip clearance on stall margin through a calculation of the rear seven airfoil rows of an eleven stage high pressure compressor rig. The result of these studies was that a practical tool is available which can predict stall margin, and the impact of tip clearance, with reasonable accuracy.

Viscous Throughflow Modeling for Multistage Compressor Design

1993 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 296-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Howard ◽  
S. J. Gallimore
Keyword(s):  
Shear Force ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Design System ◽  
Flow Angle ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Dynamic Head ◽  
Viscous Shear ◽  
Compressor Design

An existing throughflow method for axial compressors, which accounts for the effects of spanwise mixing using a turbulent diffusion model, has been extended to include the viscous shear force on the endwall. The use of a shear force, consistent with a no-slip condition, on the annulus walls in the throughflow calculations allows realistic predictions of the velocity and flow angle profiles near the endwalls. The annulus wall boundary layers are therefore incorporated directly into the throughflow prediction. This eliminates the need for empirical blockage factors or independent annulus boundary layer calculations. The axisymmetric prediction can be further refined by specifying realistic spanwise variations of loss coefficient and deviation to model the three-dimensional endwall effects. The resulting throughflow calculation gives realistic predictions of flow properties across the whole span of a compressor. This is confirmed by comparison with measured data from both low and high-speed multistage machines. The viscous throughflow method has been incorporated into an axial compressor design system. The method predicts the meridional velocity defects in the endwall region and consequently blading can be designed that allows for the increased incidence, and low dynamic head, near the annulus walls.

scholarly journals Physics of Airfoil Clocking in Axial Compressors

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen L. Gundy-Burlet ◽  
Daniel J. Dorney
Keyword(s):  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Thin Layer ◽  
Relative Motion ◽  
Unsteady Aerodynamics ◽  
Flow Fields ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Potential Interactions

Axial compressors have inherently unsteady flow fields because of relative motion between rotor and statnr airfnils. This relative motion leads to viscous and inviscid (potential) interactions between blade rows. As the number of stages increases in a turbomachine, the buildup of convected wakes can lead in progressively more complex wake/wake and wake/airfnil interactions. Variations in the relative circumferential positions of stators or rotors can change these interactions, leading to different unsteady forcing functions on airfoils and different compressor efficiencies. The current study uses an unsteady, two-dimensional thin-layer Navier-Stokes zonal approach to investigate the unsteady aerodynamics of stator clocking in a low-speed 2 ½-stage compressor. Relative motion between rotors and stators is made possible by the use of systems of patched and overlaid grids. Results include surface pressures instantaneous forces and efficiencies for a 2 ½-stage compressor configuration.

Using Sweep and Dihedral to Control Three-Dimensional Flow in Transonic Stators of Axial Compressors

2000 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Gu¨mmer ◽  
U. Wenger ◽  
H.-P. Kau,
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Analysis ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Three Dimensional Flow ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Dimensional Flow ◽  
Boundary Layer Development ◽  
Radial Loading

The paper describes an advanced three-dimensional blading concept for highly loaded transonic compressor stators. The concept takes advantage of the aerodynamic effects of sweep and dihedral. To the knowledge of the authors this is the first approach reported in the open literature that combines those two basic types of lean in an engine-worthy aerofoil design. The paper makes a contribution to the understanding of the endwall effect of both features with special emphasis put on sweep. The advanced three-dimensional blading concept was applied to an Engine Section Stator (ESS) of an aero-engine fan. In order to demonstrate how three-dimensional flow can be controlled, numerical analysis of the flow structure in a conventional and an advanced stator configuration was performed using a three-dimensional Navier–Stokes solver. The numerical analysis showed the advanced blade improving both radial loading distribution and the three-dimensional endwall boundary layer development. In particular, a strong hub corner stall could be largely alleviated. High-speed rig testing of the advanced ESS confirmed the concept and showed good qualitative agreement between measurement and prediction. The work presented was closely linked to the development of the BR710 engine on which the advanced ESS is in service today.

Advanced Nonaxisymmetric Endwall Contouring for Axial Compressors by Generating an Aerodynamic Separator—Part II: Experimental and Numerical Cascade Investigation

2010 ◽  
Vol 133 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Hergt ◽  
Christian Dorfner ◽  
Wolfgang Steinert ◽  
Eberhard Nicke ◽  
Heinz-Adolf Schreiber
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Suction Side ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Optimization Techniques ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Loss Reduction ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Flow Phenomena

Modern methods for axial compressor design are capable of shaping the blade surfaces in a three-dimensional way. Linking these methods with automated optimization techniques provides a major benefit to the design process. The application of nonaxisymmetric contoured endwalls is considered to be very successful in turbine rotors and vanes. Concerning axial compressors, nonaxisymmetric endwalls are still a field of research. This two-part paper presents the recent development of a novel endwall design. A vortex created by a nonaxisymmetric endwall groove acts as an aerodynamic separator, preventing the passage vortex from interacting with the suction side boundary layer. This major impact on the secondary flow results in a significant loss reduction by means of load redistribution, reduction in recirculation areas, and suppressed corner separation. Part I of this paper deals with the endwall design and its compressor application. The resulting flow phenomena and physics are described and analyzed in detail. The second paper presents the detailed experimental and numerical investigation of the developed endwall groove. The measurements carried out at the transonic cascade wind tunnel of DLR in Cologne, demonstrated a considerable influence on the cascade performance. A loss reduction and redistribution of the cascade loading were achieved at the aerodynamic design point, as well as near the stall condition of the cascade. This behavior is well predicted by the numerical simulation. The combined analysis of experimental and numerical flow patterns allows a detailed interpretation and description of the resulting flow phenomena. In this context, high fidelity 3D-Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes flow simulations are required to analyze the complex blade and endwall boundary layer interaction.

The Design, Development and Evaluation of 3D Aerofoils for High Speed Axial Compressors: Part 2 — Simulation and Comparison With Experiment

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Woollatt ◽  
D. Lippett ◽  
P. C. Ivey ◽  
P. Timmis ◽  
B. A. Charnley
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Design ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Loss Reduction ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Quantitative Basis ◽  
End Wall

The focus of this paper is to report on measurements from and simulation of Cranfield University’s 3-stage high-speed axial compressor test rig. This newly built rig is supported by European Commission funding and has tested a set of conventionally stacked 2D rotor and stator blades (Reference 1). The results were used to evaluate and to assess the performance of several commercially available CFD codes leading to the collaborative design of an advanced three-dimensional blade set. The philosophy behind the advanced design is described. The datum test results show that the state of the art, highly loaded, datum compressor is well matched with limited potential for loss reduction. A comparison is made between the measured results and a series of numerical analyses using the various CFD codes. Although the codes showed reasonable qualitative agreement with each other and the measured data, there were significant differences in the predicted performance of the datum build. Further the codes were unable to grade candidate redesigns consistently on a quantitative basis and therefore increased the difficulty of selecting suitable ‘3d’ features. Generic studies involving sweep, lean and recambering are used to evolve a design philosophy for the advanced three-dimensional design. Over cambering of the end-wall sections, coupled with a suitable stack of the blades, enables the blade count to be reduced. In the presence of a clearance combinations of sweep and lean are used to modify the loading in the clearance gap, thereby influencing the associated losses. The application of three-dimensional features redistributes the flow. The opportunity is therefore taken to rematch the sections based on the predicted results of the CFD codes. The above philosophy is used in the redesign of the datum compressor. Overall characteristics and exit traverse results from the test of the advanced build are compared to those from the datum build.

scholarly journals Body-force and mean-line models for the generation of axial compressor sub-idle characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 124 (1281) ◽  
pp. 1683-1701 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Righi ◽  
L.E. Ferrer-Vidal ◽  
V. Pachidis
Keyword(s):  
Body Force ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Characteristic Lines ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd ◽  
Operating Points ◽  
Low Order

ABSTRACTThis paper describes the application of low-order models to the prediction of the steady performance of axial compressors at sub-idle conditions. An Euler body-force method employing sub-idle performance correlations is developed and presented alongside a mean-line approach employing the same set of correlations. The low-order tools are used to generate the characteristic lines of the compressor in the locked-rotor and zero-torque windmilling conditions. The results are compared against steady-state operating points from three-dimensional (3D) Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The accuracy of the low-order tools in reproducing the results from high-fidelity CFD is analysed, and the trade-off with the computational cost of each method is discussed. The low-order tools presented are shown to offer a fast alternative to traditional CFD which can be used to predict the performance in sub-idle conditions of a new compressor design during early development stages.

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