Measurements of the 3D Flow Field Downstream of an Aircraft Engine Fan

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herwart T. Hönen ◽  
Christian Werner-Spatz ◽  
Angela Giebmanns ◽  
Guido Döbbener ◽  
Peter Jeschke
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Aircraft Engine ◽  
Sensitivity Study ◽  
Rotor Blades ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Jet Engine ◽  
3D Information ◽  
Operating Points

Flow field measurements have been performed in a jet engine fan. As a part of a sensitivity study on the influence of geometry changes on the performance of the compressor the experiments provide a data base for the verification of extensive numerical simulations covering the fan blades. These investigations help to improve the understanding of how changes in component geometry due to wear affect the engine. The experimental investigations were carried out down-stream of the fan of a jet engine on the test cell at Lufthansa Technik AG. The main focus of the measurements was to provide highly resolved flow field data downstream of the OGV. A pneumatic five-hole probe was applied in order to obtain 3D information of the flow properties. In order to detect and to resolve the wakes of the OGVs and of the midspan shrouds of the rotor blades the measurements had to be performed along the blade height and had to cover more than one OGV spacing. Therefore, it was necessary to position the probe at various radial and circumferential locations. The radial positioning of the probe was performed by a standard traversing unit. The different circumferential locations were achieved by a specially developed traversing mechanism on a modified engine fan case, which allowed a continuous positioning in the range of two OGV spacings. The experiments were carried out for two different operating points of the jet engine. For each of these operating points, the engine was operated with nominal and with increased tip clearance above the fan rotor in order to simulate different wear conditions. The paper explains the necessary modifications to the jet engine and the set up for the experiments. Furthermore, measured results are shown and compared to the results derived from the CFD simulations which were performed prior to the experimental investigations.

Effects of the Steady Wake-Tip Clearance Vortex Interaction in a Compressor Cascade: Part I — Experimental Investigations

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Krug ◽  
Peter Busse ◽  
Konrad Vogeler
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Compressor Cascade ◽  
Linear Compressor Cascade ◽  
Tip Clearance Vortex ◽  
The Impact

An important aspect of the aerodynamic flow field in the tip region of axial compressor rotors is the unsteady interaction between the tip clearance vortex and the incoming stator wakes. In order to gain an improved understanding of the mechanics involved, systematic studies need to be performed. As a first step towards the characterisation of the dynamic effects caused by the relative movement of the blade rows, the impact of a stationary wake-induced inlet disturbance on a linear compressor cascade with tip clearance will be analysed. The wakes were generated by a fixed grid of cylindrical bars with variable pitch being placed at discrete pitchwise positions. Part I of this two-part paper focuses on experimental studies conducted at the newly designed low-speed cascade wind tunnel in Dresden. The general tunnel configuration and details on the specific cascade setup will be presented. Steady state flow field measurements were carried out using five-hole probe traverses up- and downstream of the cascade and accompanied by static wall pressure readings. 2D-PIV measurements complemented these results by visualizing the blade-to-blade flow field. Hence, the structure of the evolving secondary flow system is evaluated and compared for all tested configurations.

Experimental Investigation Into the Effects of the Steady Wake-Tip Clearance Vortex Interaction in a Compressor Cascade

2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Krug ◽  
Peter Busse ◽  
Konrad Vogeler
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Compressor Cascade ◽  
Unsteady Interaction ◽  
Linear Compressor Cascade ◽  
Tip Clearance Vortex ◽  
The Impact

An important aspect of the aerodynamic flow field in the tip region of axial compressor rotors is the unsteady interaction between the tip clearance vortex (TCV) and the incoming stator wakes. In order to gain an improved understanding of the mechanics involved, systematic studies need to be performed. As a first step toward the characterization of the dynamic effects caused by the relative movement of the blade rows, the impact of a stationary wake-induced inlet disturbance on a linear compressor cascade with tip clearance will be analyzed. The wakes were generated by a fixed grid of cylindrical bars with variable pitch being placed at discrete pitchwise positions. This paper focuses on experimental studies conducted at the newly designed low-speed cascade wind tunnel in Dresden. The general tunnel configuration and details on the specific cascade setup will be presented. Steady state flow field measurements were carried out using five-hole probe traverses up- and downstream of the cascade and accompanied by static wall pressure readings. 2D-particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements complemented these results by visualizing the blade-to-blade flow field. Hence, the structure of the evolving secondary flow system is evaluated and compared for all tested configurations.

Evaluating the Influence of Rotor-Casing Eccentricity on Turbine Efficiency Including Time-Resolved Flow Field Measurements

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Eric DeShong ◽  
Shawn Siroka ◽  
Reid A. Berdanier ◽  
Karen A. Thole
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Magnetic Levitation ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Flow Angle ◽  
Turbine Efficiency ◽  
Eccentric Rotor ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques

Abstract The clearance that exists between the casing and turbine blade tips is one of the key drivers of efficiency in gas turbine engines. For this reason, engine manufacturers utilize precise manufacturing techniques and may employ clearance control systems to minimize tip clearances to reduce associated losses. Despite these efforts, turbines typically exhibit some nominal casing ovality or rotor-casing eccentricity, and changes to blade tip clearance during operation commonly occur due to thermal and mechanical stresses. The present study investigates non-axisymmetric tip clearance effects by creating a rotor-casing eccentricity in a one-stage axial test turbine operating in a continuous-duration mode at engine relevant conditions with engine representative hardware. A magnetic levitation bearing system was leveraged to move the turbine shaft to vary the rotor-casing eccentricity without test section disassembly. The results of this study indicate that rotor-casing eccentricity does not affect overall turbine efficiency over the range that was tested, but does locally influence efficiency and the rotor exit flow field. Comparisons of flow angle and secondary flow kinetic energy agreed with previous studies and existing analytical methods, respectively. Collectively, these results indicate that tip clearance can be studied locally on an eccentric rotor.

Aerodynamic-Rotordynamic Interaction in Axial Compression Systems—Part I: Modeling and Analysis of Fluid-Induced Forces

2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-415
Author(s):  
Ammar A. Al-Nahwi ◽  
James D. Paduano ◽  
Samir A. Nayfeh
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Rotor Blades ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Modeling And Analysis ◽  
Equal Importance ◽  
Consistent Treatment

This paper presents a first principles-based model of the fluid-induced forces acting on the rotor of an axial compressor. These forces are primarily associated with the presence of a nonuniform flow field around the rotor, such as that produced by a rotor tip clearance asymmetry. Simple, analytical expressions for the forces as functions of basic flow field quantities are obtained. These expressions allow an intuitive understanding of the nature of the forces and—when combined with a rudimentary model of an axial compressor flow field (the Moore-Greitzer model)—enable computation of the forces as a function of compressor geometry, torque and pressure-rise characteristics, and operating point. The forces predicted by the model are also compared to recently published measurements and more complex analytical models, and are found to be in reasonable agreement. The model elucidates that the fluid-induced forces comprise three main contributions: fluid turning in the rotor blades, pressure distribution around the rotor, and unsteady momentum storage within the rotor. The model also confirms recent efforts in that the orientation of fluid-induced forces is locked to the flow nonuniformity, not to tip clearance asymmetry as is traditionally assumed. The turning and pressure force contributions are shown to be of comparable magnitudes—and therefore of equal importance—for operating points between the design point and the peak of the compressor characteristic. Within this operating range, both “forward” and “backward” rotor whirl tendencies are shown to be possible. This work extends recent efforts by developing a more complete, yet compact, description of fluid-induced forces in that it accounts for all relevant force contributions, both tangential and radial, that may influence the dynamics of the rotor. Hence it constitutes an essential element of a consistent treatment of rotordynamic stability under the action of fluid-induced forces, which is the subject of Part II of this paper.

Aerodynamic-Rotordynamic Interaction in Axial Compression Systems: Part I — Modeling and Analysis of Fluid-Induced Forces

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ammar A. Al-Nahwi ◽  
James D. Paduano ◽  
Samir A. Nayfeh
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Rotor Blades ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Modeling And Analysis ◽  
Equal Importance ◽  
Consistent Treatment

This paper presents a first principles-based model of the fluid-induced forces acting on the rotor of an axial compressor. These forces are primarily associated with the presence of a nonuniform flow field around the rotor, such as that produced by a rotor tip clearance asymmetry. Simple, analytical expressions for the forces as functions of basic flow field quantities are obtained. These expressions allow an intuitive understanding of the nature of the forces and—when combined with a rudimentary model of an axial compressor flow field (the Moore-Greitzer model)—enable computation of the forces as a function of compressor geometry, torque and pressure-rise characteristics, and operating point. The forces predicted by the model are also compared to recently published measurements and more complex analytical models, and are found to be in reasonable agreement. The model elucidates that the fluid-induced forces comprise three main contributions: fluid turning in the rotor blades, pressure distribution around the rotor, and unsteady momentum storage within the rotor. The model also confirms recent efforts in that the orientation of fluid-induced forces is locked to the flow nonuniformity, not to tip clearance asymmetry as is traditionally assumed. The turning and pressure force contributions are shown to be of comparable magnitudes—and therefore of equal importance—for operating points between the design point and the peak of the compressor characteristic. Within this operating range, both “forward” and “backward” rotor whirl tendencies are shown to be possible. This work extends recent efforts by developing a more complete, yet compact, description of fluid-induced forces in that it accounts for all relevant force contributions, both tangential and radial, that may influence the dynamics of the rotor. Hence it constitutes an essential element of a consistent treatment of rotordynamic stability under the action of fluid-induced forces, which is the subject of Part II of this paper.

Experimental Investigations Into Pressure Field in Tip Clearance of Shrouded Rotor Blades

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Kosowski ◽  
Marian Piwowarski
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Pressure Pulsation ◽  
Pressure Field ◽  
Rotor Blades ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Pressure Pulsations ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Shrouded Rotor ◽  
Blade Tip Clearance

The experimental investigations into the pressure field in the shroud clearance were performed on a one-stage air model turbine of impulse type. Measurements of pressure distribution were carried out for different rotor eccentricities, different values of axial gap and of rotor-stator misalignment, different rotor speeds and different turbine load. The experimental investigations proved that: a) the pressure in the blade tip clearance is not stationary but it pulsates, b) the effect of nozzle trailing edge can be observed in the blade shroud clearance, c) for a given turbine output, the rotor-stator eccentricity and rotor-stator misalignment appear the most important parameters influencing the pressure distribution in the shroud clearance. Aiming to investigate the pressure pulsation transmission through the leakage flow in the blade shroud clearances, pulsations of different amplitudes and frequencies were excited in the turbine inlet duct and corresponding changes of pressure were measured along the shroud width, followed by appropriate harmonic analysis. The investigations were performed for forced pulsations with frequencies ranging from 1Hz to 8 Hz. In all the examined cases, the frequency of pressure pulsations remained unchanged, while the amplitude of the pulsation decreased gradually along the tip clearance. The frequency of these pressure pulsations in the tip clearance was equal to the frequency of the pressure pulsation at the turbine stage inlet and to the frequency of pressure pulsation at the turbine flow passage’s exit.

Periodical Unsteady Flow Within a Rotor Blade Row of an Axial Compressor: Part II — Wake–Tip Clearance Vortex Interaction

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Mailach ◽  
Ingolf Lehmann ◽  
Konrad Vogeler
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Rotor Blade ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Lower Velocity ◽  
Blade Row ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Tip Clearance Vortex

In this two-part paper results of the periodical unsteady flow field within the third rotor blade row of the four-stage Dresden Low-Speed Research Compressor are presented. The main part of the experimental investigations was performed using Laser-Doppler-Anemometry. Results of the flow field at several spanwise positions between midspan and rotor blade tip will be discussed. In addition time-resolving pressure sensors at midspan of the rotor blades provide information about the unsteady profile pressure distribution. In part II of the paper the flow field in the rotor blade tip region will be discussed. The experimental results reveal a strong periodical interaction of the incoming stator wakes and the rotor blade tip clearance vortices. Consequently, in the rotor frame of reference the tip clearance vortices are periodical with the stator blade passing frequency. Due to the wakes the tip clearance vortices are separated into different segments. Along the mean vortex trajectory these parts can be characterised by alternating patches of higher and lower velocity and flow turning or subsequent counterrotating vortex pairs. These flow patterns move downstream along the tip clearance vortex path in time. As a result of the wake influence the orientation and extension of the tip clearance vortices as well as the flow blockage periodically vary in time.

PIV Maps of Tip Leakage and Secondary Flow Fields on a Low-Speed Turbine Blade Cascade With Moving End Wall

2007 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Palafox ◽  
M. L. G. Oldfield ◽  
J. E. LaGraff ◽  
T. V. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Tip Leakage Flow ◽  
Tip Leakage Vortex ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Tip Leakage ◽  
End Wall

New, detailed flow field measurements are presented for a very large low-speed cascade representative of a high-pressure turbine rotor blade with turning of 110deg and blade chord of 1.0m. Data were obtained for tip leakage and passage secondary flow at a Reynolds number of 4.0×105, based on exit velocity and blade axial chord. Tip clearance levels ranged from 0% to 1.68% of blade span (0% to 3% of blade chord). Particle image velocimetry was used to obtain flow field maps of several planes parallel to the tip surface within the tip gap, and adjacent passage flow. Vector maps were also obtained for planes normal to the tip surface in the direction of the tip leakage flow. Secondary flow was measured at planes normal to the blade exit angle at locations upstream and downstream of the trailing edge. The interaction between the tip leakage vortex and passage vortex is clearly defined, revealing the dominant effect of the tip leakage flow on the tip end-wall secondary flow. The relative motion between the casing and the blade tip was simulated using a motor-driven moving belt system. A reduction in the magnitude of the undertip flow near the end wall due to the moving wall is observed and the effect on the tip leakage vortex examined.

Experimental Investigations of Tip Clearance Flow and its Influence on Secondary Flows in a 1-1/2 Stage Axial Turbine

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Stephan ◽  
H. E. Gallus ◽  
R. Niehuis
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Radial Clearance ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Axial Turbine ◽  
Tip Clearance Flow ◽  
Clearance Flow ◽  
Flow Phenomena

A multistage turbomachine has inherently unsteady flow fields due to the relative motion between rotor and stator airfoils, which lead to viscous and inviscid interactions between the blade rows. Additionally, the radial clearance between casing and rotor strongly influences the 3D flow field and the loss generation in turbomachines. The objective of the presented study is to investigate the effects of tip clearance on secondary flow phenomena and, in consequence, on the performance of a 1-1/2 stage axial turbine. The low aspect ratio of the blades and their prismatic design leads to a high degree of secondary flows and three-dimensionality. Extended measurements of the flow field behind each blade row with pneumatic and hotwire probes have been conducted for three different tip clearances. Experimental results reveal significant change of flow behavior and turbine performance with increasing tip clearance.

Investigation of Tip Clearance Phenomena in an Axial Compressor Cascade Using Euler and Navier–Stokes Procedures

1993 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. F. Kunz ◽  
B. Lakshminarayana ◽  
A. H. Basson
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Numerical Procedure ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Tip Vortex ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Compressor Cascade ◽  
Flow Angle ◽  
Physical Phenomena

Three-dimensional Euler and full Navier–Stokes computational procedures have been utilized to simulate the flow field in an axial compressor cascade with tip clearance. An embedded H-grid topology was utilized to resolve the flow physics in the tip gap region. The numerical procedure employed is a finite difference Runge-Kutta scheme. Available measurements of blade static pressure distributions along the blade span, dynamic pressure and flow angle in the cascade outlet region, and spanwise distributions of blade normal force coefficient and circumferentially averaged flow angle are used for comparison. Several parameters that were varied in the experimental investigations were also varied in the computational studies. Specifically, measurements were taken and computations were performed on the configuration with and without: tip clearance, the presence of an endwall, inlet endwall total pressure profiles and simulated relative casing rotation. Additionally, both Euler and Navier–Stokes computations were performed to investigate the relative performance of these approaches in reconciling the physical phenomena considered. Results indicate that the Navier–Stokes procedure, which utilizes a low Reynolds number k–ε model, captures a variety of important physical phenomena associated with tip clearance flows with good accuracy. These include tip vortex strength and trajectory, blade loading near the tip, the interaction of the tip clearance flow with passage secondary flow, and the effects of relative endwall motion. The Euler computation provides good but somewhat diminished accuracy in resolution of some of these clearance phenomena. It is concluded that the level of modeling embodied in the present approach is sufficient to extract much of the tip region flow field information useful to designers of turbomachinery.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document