Effects of an Upstream Cavity on the Secondary Flow in a Transonic Turbine Cascade

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Abo El Ella ◽  
S. A. Sjolander ◽  
T. J. Praisner
Keyword(s):  
Mach Number ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Reactive Dye ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Pressure Probe ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Blow Down

This paper examines experimentally the effects of an upstream cavity on the flow structures and secondary losses in a transonic linear turbine cascade. The cavity approximates the endwall geometry resulting from the platform overlap at the interface between stationary and rotating turbine blade rows. Previous investigations of the effects of upstream cavity geometries have been conducted mainly at low-speed conditions. The present work aims to extend such research into the transonic regime with a more engine representative upstream platform geometry. The investigations were carried out in a blow-down type wind tunnel. The cavity is located at 30% of axial-chord from the leading edge, extends 17% of axial-chord in depth, and is followed by a smooth ramp to return the endwall to its nominal height. Two cascades are examined for the same blade geometry: the baseline cascade with a flat endwall and the cascade with the cavity endwall. Measurements were made at the design incidence and the outlet design Mach number of 0.80. At this condition, the Reynolds number based on outlet velocity is about 600,000. Off-design outlet Mach numbers of 0.69, and 0.89 were also investigated. Flowfield measurements were carried out at 40% axial-chord downstream of the trailing edge, using a seven-hole pressure probe, to quantify losses and identify the flow structures. Additionally, surface flow visualization using an ultra-violet reactive dye was employed at the design Mach number, on the endwall and blade surfaces, to help in the interpretation of the flow physics. The experimental results also include blade-loading distributions, and the probe measurements were processed to obtain total-pressure loss coefficients, and stream-wise vorticity distributions. It was found that the presence of the upstream cavity noticeably altered the structure and the strength of the secondary flow. Some effect on the secondary losses was also evident, with the cavity having a larger effect at the higher Mach number.

Effects of an Upstream Cavity on the Secondary Flow in a Transonic Turbine Cascade

2012 ◽  
Vol 134 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Abo El Ella ◽  
S. A. Sjolander ◽  
T. J. Praisner
Keyword(s):  
Mach Number ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Pressure Probe ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Streamwise Vorticity ◽  
Blow Down

This paper examines experimentally the effects of an upstream cavity on the flow structures and secondary losses in a transonic linear turbine cascade. The cavity approximates the endwall geometry resulting from the platform overlap at the interface between stationary and rotating turbine blade rows. Previous investigations of the effects of upstream cavity geometries have been conducted mainly at low-speed conditions. The present work aims to extend such research into the transonic regime with a more engine representative upstream platform geometry. The investigations were carried out in a blow-down type wind tunnel. The cavity is located at 30 % of axial chord from the leading edge, extends 17 % of axial-chord in depth, and is followed by a smooth ramp to return the endwall to its nominal height. Two cascades are examined for the same blade geometry: the baseline cascade with a flat endwall and the cascade with the cavity endwall. Measurements were made at the design incidence and the outlet design Mach number of 0.80. At this condition, the Reynolds number based on outlet velocity is about 600,000. Off-design outlet Mach numbers of 0.69, and 0.89 were also investigated. Flowfield measurements were carried out at 40 % axial-chord downstream of the trailing edge, using a seven-hole pressure probe, to quantify losses and identify the flow structures. Additionally, surface flow visualization using an ultra-violet reactive dye was employed at the design Mach number, on the endwall and blade surfaces, to help in the interpretation of the flow physics. The experimental results also include blade-loading distributions, and the probe measurements were processed to obtain total-pressure loss coefficients, and streamwise vorticity distributions. It was found that the presence of the upstream cavity noticeably altered the structure and the strength of the secondary flow. Some effect on the secondary losses was also evident, with the cavity having a larger effect at the higher Mach number.

Computational Study of a Transonic Turbine Cascade: Validation and Comparison of Griding Approaches and Challenges

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Abo El Ella ◽  
M. Kibsey ◽  
S. A. Sjolander
Keyword(s):  
Computational Study ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Pressure Probe ◽  
Computational Domain ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Streamwise Vorticity ◽  
Blow Down ◽  
Flow Physics ◽  
Transonic Turbine ◽  
Unstructured Meshing

This paper presents a computational study, with some experimental validation, of a low-turning transonic turbine cascade. A comparison is presented between the time-consuming and difficult to generate hexa-structured meshing approach, and the mostly automated tetra-unstructured meshing approach. The paper compares the predicted flow physics and losses, with discussion of the challenges in griding and convergence between both approaches. Computations were carried out using a commercial RANS solver (ANSYS CFX 12) using the Shear Stress Transport turbulence model, and the Gamma-Theta transition model. The computational domain encompassed a half blade span, and one blade pitch with periodic boundary conditions; griding for both approaches was done using ANSYS ICEM CFD. Computational results from both griding approaches were compared to corresponding experimental data. The outlet Mach number was 0.90. The experiment was carried out using a linear cascade in a blow-down type wind tunnel. Downstream seven-hole pressure probe measurements at 1.8 axial chord lengths from the leading edge provided loss, streamwise vorticity, and secondary kinetic energy distributions and integrated coefficient values. It was found that both griding approaches predicted similar downstream endwall flow structures to those observed in the experiment. The tetra-unstructured mesh solution predicted higher losses, but both predicted lower losses than the experiment. Overall results suggest that for capturing of the basic flow physics, both approaches suffice, with the tetra-unstructured being the much easier approach, but with limitations on the level of grid refinement. For more accurate capturing of the flow physics, the time-consuming and difficult to generate hexa-structured meshing approach can be justified.

Anisotropic Eddy Viscosity in the Secondary Flow of a Low-Speed Linear Turbine Cascade

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. D. MacIsaac ◽  
S. A. Sjolander
Keyword(s):  
Turbulent Flow ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Eddy Viscosity ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Boussinesq Approximation ◽  
Pressure Probe ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Sst Turbulence Model

The final losses within a turbulent flow are realized when eddies completely dissipate to internal energy through viscous interactions. The accurate prediction of the turbulence dissipation, and therefore the losses, requires turbulence models which represent, as accurately as possible, the true flow physics. Eddy viscosity turbulence models, commonly used for design level computations, are based on the Boussinesq approximation and inherently assume the eddy viscosity field is isotropic. The current paper compares the computational predictions of the flow downstream of a low-speed linear turbine cascade to the experimentally measured results. Steady-state computational simulations were performed using ANSYS CFX v12.0 and employed the shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model with the γ-Reθ transition model. The experimental data includes measurements of the mean and turbulent flow quantities. Steady pressure measurements were collected using a seven-hole pressure probe and the turbulent flow quantities were measured using a rotatable x-type hotwire probe. Data is presented for two axial locations: 120% and 140% of the axial chord (Cx) downstream of the leading edge. The computed loss distribution and total bladerow losses are compared to the experimental measurements. Differences are noted and a discussion of the flow structures provides insights into the origin of the differences. Contours of the shear eddy viscosity are presented for each axial plane. The secondary flow appears highly anisotropic, demonstrating a fundamental difference between the computed and measured results. This raises questions as to the validity of using two-equation turbulence models, which are based on the Boussinesq approximation, for secondary flow predictions.

scholarly journals Incidence Angle and Pitch-Chord Effects on Secondary Flows Downstream of a Turbine Cascade

1992 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Perdichizzi ◽  
V. Dossena
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Incidence Angle ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Pressure Probe ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Secondary Velocity ◽  
Secondary Flow Field

This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation of the three-dimensional flow downstream of a linear turbine cascade at off-design conditions. The tests have been carried out for five incidence angles from −60 to +35 degrees, and for three pitch-chord ratios: s/c = 0.58,0.73,0.87. Data include blade pressure distributions, oil flow visualizations, and pressure probe measurements. The secondary flow field has been obtained by traversing a miniature five hole probe in a plane located at 50% of an axial chord downstream of the trailing edge. The distributions of local energy loss coefficients, together with vorticity and secondary velocity plots show in detail how much the secondary flow field is modified both by incidence and cascade solidity variations. The level of secondary vorticity and the intensity of the crossflow at the endwall have been found to be strictly related to the blade loading occurring in the blade entrance region. Heavy changes occur in the spanwise distributions of the pitch averaged loss and of the deviation angle, when incidence or pitch-chord ratio is varied.

Experimental Investigation on the Annular Sector Cascade of a High Endwall-Angle Turbine

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiliang Fu ◽  
Jie Gao ◽  
Chen Liang ◽  
Fukai Wang ◽  
Qun Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mach Number ◽  
Static Pressure ◽  
Incidence Angle ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Cascade Flow ◽  
Annular Sector ◽  
The Way

The flow in high endwall-angle turbine is complex, and it is different from the ordinary turbine flow in characteristics. In order to study the flow field characteristics of high endwall-angle turbines, the annular sector cascade experimental study of high endwall-angle turbines is carried out. The blade is studied experimentally in the form of annular sector cascade. The cascade includes 7 blades, and makes up 6 flow passages, in order to simulate full cascade flow. The experimental Mach number is adjusted by the way of changing inlet total pressure, and the Mach number influence (0.7, 0.8 and 0.9) on annular sector cascade flow is studied. Based on it, the inlet incidence angle (−15°, −7.5°, 0°, 7.5° and 15° )is changed with the way of changing sector straight pipes upstream of the cascade, and its influence on turbine flow fields is studied at the Mach number of 0.8. Here, five-hole probes are used to measure aerodynamic parameters distributions downstream of the cascade, and static pressure taps are positioned on the blade surface to measure surface static pressure distribution. The auto-traversing system and pressure sensors were operated by a self-compiled program based control program. The results indicate that there are two passage vortices inside the turbine cascade flow passage under the high Mach number condition, and the passage vortex near the high endwall-angle region is bigger. As Mach number increases, the passage vortices inside turbine cascade passage will become strong, and moves towards the blade mid-span. Besides, it is shown that the way of changing sector straight pipes can achieve the variation of inlet incidence angles. And, the blade profile with big leading-edge radius has good design and off-design performance. Detailed results and analyses are presented in the paper.

Effects of Shock Wave Development on Secondary Flow Behavior in Linear Turbine Cascade at Transonic Condition

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoshio Tsujita ◽  
Masanao Kaneko
Keyword(s):  
Shock Wave ◽  
Mach Number ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Blade Loading ◽  
Passage Vortex ◽  
Exit Mach Number

Abstract Gas turbines widely applied to power generation and aerospace propulsion systems are continuously enhanced in efficiency for the reduction of environmental load. The energy recovery efficiency from working fluid in a turbine component constituting gas turbines can be enhanced by the increase of turbine blade loading. However, the increase of turbine blade loading inevitably intensifies the secondary flows, and consequently increases the associated loss generation. The development of the passage vortex is strongly influenced by the pitchwise pressure gradient on the endwall in the cascade passage. In addition, a practical high pressure turbine stage is generally driven under transonic flow conditions where the shock wave strongly influences the pressure distribution on the endwall. Therefore, it becomes very important to clarify the effects of the shock wave formation on the secondary flow behavior in order to increase the turbine blade loading without the deterioration of efficiency. In this study, the two-dimensional and the three-dimensional transonic flows in the HS1A linear turbine cascade at the design incidence angle were analyzed numerically by using the commercial CFD code with the assumption of steady compressible flow. The isentropic exit Mach number was varied from the subsonic to the supersonic conditions in order to examine the effects of development of shock wave caused by the increase of exit Mach number on the secondary flow behavior. The increase of exit Mach number induced the shock across the passage and increased its obliqueness. The increase of obliqueness reduced the cross flow on the endwall by moving the local minimum point of static pressure along the suction surface toward the trailing edge. As a consequence, the increase of exit Mach number attenuated the passage vortex.

Incidence Angle and Pitch–Chord Effects on Secondary Flows Downstream of a Turbine Cascade

1993 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Perdichizzi ◽  
V. Dossena
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Incidence Angle ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Pressure Probe ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Oil Flow ◽  
Secondary Velocity ◽  
Secondary Flow Field

This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation of the three-dimensional flow downstream of a linear turbine cascade at off-design conditions. The tests have been carried out for five incidence angles from −60 to +35 deg, and for three pitch-chord ratios: s/c = 0.58, 0.73, 0.87. Data include blade pressure distributions, oil flow visualizations, and pressure probe measurements. The secondary flow field has been obtained by traversing a miniature five-hole probe in a plane located at 50 percent of an axial chord downstream of the trailing edge. The distributions of local energy loss coefficients, together with vorticity and secondary velocity plots, show in detail how much the secondary flow field is modified both by incidence and by cascade solidity variations. The level of secondary vorticity and the intensity of the crossflow at the endwall have been found to be strictly related to the blade loading occurring in the blade entrance region. Heavy changes occur in the spanwise distributions of the pitch-averaged loss and of the deviation angle, when incidence or pitch–chord ratio is varied.

Effect of airfoil leading edge waviness on flow structures and noise

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1821-1842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Zhang ◽  
Abdelkader Frendi
Keyword(s):  
Mach Number ◽  
Angle Of Attack ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Space Time ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Acoustic Signature ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Time Correlations

Purpose – The tubercles at the leading edge of Humpback Whale flippers have been shown to increase aerodynamic efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to compute the flow structures and noise signature of a NACA0012 airfoil with and without leading edge waviness, and located in the wake of a cylinder using the hybrid RANS-LES method. Design/methodology/approach – The mean flow Mach number is 0.2 and the angle of attack used is 2°. After benchmarking the method using existing experimental results, unsteady computations were then carried-out on both airfoil geometries and for a 2° angle of attack. Findings – Results from these computations confirmed the aerodynamic benefits of the leading edge waviness. Moreover, the wavy leading edge airfoil was found to be at least 4 dB quieter than its non-wavy counterpart. In-depth analysis of the computational results revealed that the wavy leading edge airfoil breaks up the large coherent structures which are then convected at higher speeds down the trough region of the waviness in agreement with previous experimental observations. This result is supported by both the two-point and space-time correlations of the wall pressure. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of the current findings reside in the fact that both the Reynolds number and the flow Mach number are low, therefore not applicable to aircrafts. In order to extend the study to practical aircrafts one needs huge grids and large computational resources. Practical implications – The results obtained here could have a huge implications on the design of future aircrafts and spacecrafts. More specifically, the biggest benefit from such redesign is the reduction of acoustic signature as well as increased efficiency in fuel consumption. Social implications – Reducing acoustic signature from aircrafts has been a major research thrust for NASA and Federal Aviation Administration. The social impact of such reduction would be improved quality of life in airport communities. For military aircrafts, this could results in reduced detectability and hence saving lives. Originality/value – Humpback Whales have been studied by various researchers to understand the effects of leading edge “tubercles” on flow structures. What is new in this study is the numerical confirmation of the effects of the tubercles on the flow structures and the resulting noise radiations. It is shown through the use of two-point correlations and space-time correlations that the flow structures in the trough area are indeed vortex tubes.

scholarly journals Analysis of leading edge flow characteristics in a mixed flow turbine under pulsating flows

2018 ◽  
Vol 233 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel P Lee ◽  
Martyn L Jupp ◽  
Simon M Barrans ◽  
Ambrose K Nickson
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Cone Angle ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Outer Diameter ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Mixed Flow ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Inlet Conditions

Current trends in the automotive industry towards engine downsizing means turbocharging now plays a vital role in engine performance. A turbocharger increases charge air density using a turbine to extract waste energy from the exhaust gas to drive a compressor. Most turbocharger applications employ a radial inflow turbine. However, to ensure radial stacking of the blade fibers and avoid excessive blade stresses, the inlet blade angle must remain at zero degrees, creating large incidence angles. Alternately, mixed flow turbines can offer non-zero blade angles while maintaining radial stacking of the blade fibers and reducing leading edge separation at low velocity ratios. Furthermore, the physical blade cone angle introduced reduces the blade mass at the rotor outer diameter reducing rotor inertia and improving turbine transient response. The current paper investigates the performance of a mixed flow turbine under a range of pulsating inlet flow conditions. A significant variation in incidence across the LE span was observed within the pulse, where the distribution of incidence over the LE span was also found to change over the duration of the pulse. Analysis of the secondary flow structures developing within the volute shows the non-uniform flow distribution at the volute outlet is the result of the Dean effect in the housing passage. In-depth analysis of the mixed flow effect is also included, showing that poor axial flow turning ahead of the rotor was evident, particularly at the hub, resulting in modest blade angles. This work shows that the complex secondary flow structures that develop in the turbine volute are heavily influenced by the inlet pulsating flow. In turn, this significantly impacts the rotor inlet conditions and rotor losses.

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