A Comprehensive Through-Flow Solver Method for Modern Turbomachinery Design

Author(s):  
Mark R. Anderson ◽  
Daryl L. Bonhaus

Through-flow solvers have historically played a very prominent role in the design and analysis of axial turbomachinery. While three-dimensional, Full Navier-Stokes (FNS) CFD is taking an increasing larger role, quasi-3D through-flow methods are still widely used. Automated optimization techniques that search over a wide design space, involving many possible variables, are particularly suitable for the computationally efficient through-flow solver. Pressure-based methods derived from CFD solution techniques have gradually replaced older streamline curvature methods, due to their ability to capture flow across a wide range of Mach numbers, particularly the transonic and supersonic regimes. The through-flow approach allows for the solution of the three-dimensional problem with the computational efficiency of a two-dimensional solution. Since the losses are explicitly calculated through empirically based models, the need for detailed grid resolution to capture tiny flow entities (such as wakes and boundary layers) is also greatly reduced. The combined savings can result in computational costs as much as two orders of magnitude lower than full 3D CFD methods. A state-of-the-art through-flow solver has several features that are crucial in the design process. One of these is the ability to run in both a design and an analysis mode. Also important, is the ability to generate solutions where critical components are solved using 3D FNS, while others are run using a through-flow method. Other desirable features in a through-flow solver are: an advanced equation of state, injection and extraction ability, the handling of arbitrary (non-axial) shapes, and a link to a capable geometry generation engine. Through-flow solvers represent a unique mix of higher order numerical methods (increasingly CFD-based) coupled with empirically derived models (generally meanline based). The combination of these two methods in one solver creates a particularly challenging programming problem. This paper details the techniques required to effectively generate through-flow solutions. Special attention is given to an improved off-design loss model for compressors, as well as a transonic loss model needed for high-speed compressor and turbine flows. Validation with recognized test data along with corresponding 3D FNS CFD results are presented.

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 373-385
Author(s):  
Steffen Kämmerer ◽  
Jürgen F. Mayer ◽  
Heinz Stetter ◽  
Meinhard Paffrath ◽  
Utz Wever ◽  
...  

This article describes the development of a method for optimization of the geometry of three-dimensional turbine blades within a stage configuration. The method is based on flow simulations and gradient-based optimization techniques. This approach uses the fully parameterized blade geometry as variables for the optimization problem. Physical parameters such as stagger angle, stacking line, and chord length are part of the model. Constraints guarantee the requirements for cooling, casting, and machining of the blades.The fluid physics of the turbomachine and hence the objective function of the optimization problem are calculated by means of a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver especially designed for turbomachinery applications. The gradients required for the optimization algorithm are computed by numerically solving the sensitivity equations. Therefore, the explicitly differentiated Navier-Stokes equations are incorporated into the numerical method of the flow solver, enabling the computation of the sensitivity equations with the same numerical scheme as used for the flow field solution.This article introduces the components of the fully automated optimization loop and their interactions. Furthermore, the sensitivity equation method is discussed and several aspects of the implementation into a flow solver are presented. Flow simulations and sensitivity calculations are presented for different test cases and parameters. The validation of the computed sensitivities is performed by means of finite differences.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5638
Author(s):  
Selahattin Kocaman ◽  
Stefania Evangelista ◽  
Hasan Guzel ◽  
Kaan Dal ◽  
Ada Yilmaz ◽  
...  

Dam-break flood waves represent a severe threat to people and properties located in downstream regions. Although dam failure has been among the main subjects investigated in academia, little effort has been made toward investigating wave propagation under the influence of tailwater depth. This work presents three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations of laboratory experiments of dam-breaks with tailwater performed at the Laboratory of Hydraulics of Iskenderun Technical University, Turkey. The dam-break wave was generated by the instantaneous removal of a sluice gate positioned at the center of a transversal wall forming the reservoir. Specifically, in order to understand the influence of tailwater level on wave propagation, three tests were conducted under the conditions of dry and wet downstream bottom with two different tailwater depths, respectively. The present research analyzes the propagation of the positive and negative wave originated by the dam-break, as well as the wave reflection against the channel’s downstream closed boundary. Digital image processing was used to track water surface patterns, and ultrasonic sensors were positioned at five different locations along the channel in order to obtain water stage hydrographs. Laboratory measurements were compared against the numerical results obtained through FLOW-3D commercial software, solving the 3D Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) with the k-ε turbulence model for closure, and Shallow Water Equations (SWEs). The comparison achieved a reasonable agreement with both numerical models, although the RANS showed in general, as expected, a better performance.


1995 ◽  
Vol 291 ◽  
pp. 369-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald D. Joslin

The spatial evolution of three-dimensional disturbances in an attachment-line boundary layer is computed by direct numerical simulation of the unsteady, incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Disturbances are introduced into the boundary layer by harmonic sources that involve unsteady suction and blowing through the wall. Various harmonic-source generators are implemented on or near the attachment line, and the disturbance evolutions are compared. Previous two-dimensional simulation results and nonparallel theory are compared with the present results. The three-dimensional simulation results for disturbances with quasi-two-dimensional features indicate growth rates of only a few percent larger than pure two-dimensional results; however, the results are close enough to enable the use of the more computationally efficient, two-dimensional approach. However, true three-dimensional disturbances are more likely in practice and are more stable than two-dimensional disturbances. Disturbances generated off (but near) the attachment line spread both away from and toward the attachment line as they evolve. The evolution pattern is comparable to wave packets in flat-plate boundary-layer flows. Suction stabilizes the quasi-two-dimensional attachment-line instabilities, and blowing destabilizes these instabilities; these results qualitatively agree with the theory. Furthermore, suction stabilizes the disturbances that develop off the attachment line. Clearly, disturbances that are generated near the attachment line can supply energy to attachment-line instabilities, but suction can be used to stabilize these instabilities.


1993 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. N. Dawes

This paper describes recent developments to a three-dimensional, unstructured mesh, solution-adaptive Navier–Stokes solver. By adopting a simple, pragmatic but systematic approach to mesh generation, the range of simulations that can be attempted is extended toward arbitrary geometries. The combined benefits of the approach result in a powerful analytical ability. Solutions for a wide range of flows are presented, including a transonic compressor rotor, a centrifugal impeller, a steam turbine nozzle guide vane with casing extraction belt, the internal coolant passage of a radial inflow turbine, and a turbine disk cavity flow.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 975
Author(s):  
Cong Sun ◽  
Chunyu Guo ◽  
Chao Wang ◽  
Lianzhou Wang ◽  
Jianfeng Lin

The interactions between the main hull and demi-hull of trimarans have been arousing increasing attention, and detailed circumferential flow fields greatly influence trimaran research. In this research, the unsteady wake flow field of a trimaran was obtained by Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations on the basis of the viscous flow principles with consideration of the heaving and pitching of the trimaran. Then, we designed an experimental method based on particle-image velocimetry (PIV) and obtained a detailed flow field between the main hull and demi-hull of the trimaran. A trimaran model with one demi-hull made of polycarbonate material with 90% light transmission rate and a refractive index 1.58 (close to that of water 1.33) was manufactured as the experiment sample. Using polycarbonate material, the laser-sheet light-source transmission and high-speed camera recording problems were effectively rectified. Moreover, a nonstandard calibration was added into the PIV flow field measurement system. Then, we established an inverse three-dimensional (3D) distortion coordinate system and obtained the corresponding coordinates by using optics calculations. Further, the PIV system spatial mapping was corrected, and the real flow field was obtained. The simulation results were highly consistent with the experimental data, which showed the methods established in this study provided a strong reference for obtaining the detailed flow field information between the main hull and demi-hull of trimarans.


Micromachines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wasim Raza ◽  
Shakhawat Hossain ◽  
Kwang-Yong Kim

A wide range of existing passive micromixers are reviewed, and quantitative analyses of ten typical passive micromixers were performed to compare their mixing indices, pressure drops, and mixing costs under the same axial length and flow conditions across a wide Reynolds number range of 0.01–120. The tested micromixers were selected from five types of micromixer designs. The analyses of flow and mixing were performed using continuity, Navier-Stokes and convection-diffusion equations. The results of the comparative analysis were presented for three different Reynolds number ranges: low-Re (Re ≤ 1), intermediate-Re (1 < Re ≤ 40), and high-Re (Re > 40) ranges, where the mixing mechanisms are different. The results show a two-dimensional micromixer of Tesla structure is recommended in the intermediate- and high-Re ranges, while two three-dimensional micromixers with two layers are recommended in the low-Re range due to their excellent mixing performance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 435
Author(s):  
Mohammad Rasidi Rasani ◽  
Hazim Moria ◽  
Michael Beer ◽  
Ahmad Kamal Ariffin

Flow-induced vibrations of a flexible cantilever plate, placed in various positions behind two side-by-side cylinders, were computationally investigated to determine optimal location for wake-excited energy harvesters. In the present study, the cylinders of equal diameter D were fixed at center-to-center gap ratio of T / D = 1 . 7 and immersed in sub-critical flow of Reynold number R e D = 10 , 000 . A three-dimensional Navier–Stokes flow solver in an Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) description was closely coupled to a non-linear finite element structural solver that was used to model the dynamics of a composite piezoelectric plate. The cantilever plate was fixed at several positions between 0 . 5 < x / D < 1 . 5 and - 0 . 85 < y / D < 0 . 85 measured from the center gap between cylinders, and their flow-induced oscillations were compiled and analyzed. The results indicate that flexible plates located at the centerline between the cylinder pairs experience the lowest mean amplitude of oscillation. Maximum overall amplitude in oscillation is predicted when flexible plates are located in the intermediate off-center region downstream of both cylinders. Present findings indicate potential to further maximize wake-induced energy harvesting plates by exploiting their favorable positioning in the wake region behind two side-by-side cylinders.


1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (4) ◽  
pp. 930-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Mosher ◽  
D. W. Childs

This research investigates the effect of varying the concentric recess pressure ratio of hybrid (combination hydrostatic and hydrodynamic) bearings to be used in high-speed, high-pressure applications. Bearing flowrate, load capacity, torque, rotordynamic coefficients, and whirl frequency ratio are examined to determine the concentric, recess-pressure ratio which yields optimum bearing load capacity and dynamic stiffness. An analytical model, using two-dimensional bulk-flow Navier-Stokes equations and anchored by experimental test results, is used to examine bearing performance over a wide range of concentric recess pressure ratios. Typically, a concentric recess pressure ratio of 0.50 is used to obtain maximum bearing load capacity. This analysis reveals that theoretical optimum bearing performance occurs for a pressure ratio near 0.40, while experimental results indicate the optimum value to he somewhat higher than 0.45. This research demonstrates the ability to analytically investigate hybrid bearings and shows the need for more hybrid-bearing experimental data.


Author(s):  
Behnam Ghalamchi ◽  
Adam Kłodowski ◽  
Jussi T. Sopanen ◽  
Aki M. Mikkola

The main scope of this paper is optimization of high speed rotor systems by using Evolutionary Algorithm. The target of the optimization is finding geometrical parameters of the shaft, in such a way that the critical speeds are not occurring in the operation speed range. Rotating machines have a wide range of applications in industrial machinery and applying numerical optimization techniques helps engineers to improve the performance of rotor bearing systems. A schematic of a turbine rotor system is studied. The rotor is modeled using finite element method and Timoshenko beam elements having four degrees of freedom (DOF) per node — two translational and two rotational. Critical speeds are identified using Campbell diagram. The outcome of the simulation is looking to find the widest safe margin for operation speed range without any critical speed in Campbell diagram within the operation range. Design parameters for optimization are overhang shafts lengths and diameters. Several simulation runs with different variables shows a significant effect of these parameters in dynamic behavior of the system. Comparison of the results with the basic design of turbine rotor reveals that all constraints are satisfied.


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