Numerical investigation of three-dimensional separation control in an axial compressor cascade

Abstract

The aerodynamic performances of three-dimensional compressor cascade are mainly influenced by secondary flow effects, such as the cross flow on the side wall and the corner separation at the wall-blade junction. Often, these secondary flows can produce a blockage and losses in the blade passage. A numerical study of active flow control using blowing technique in a linear compressor cascade has been carried out, in order to eliminate the 3D boundary layer stall and enhance the aerodynamic performance. The numerical simulation is performed using steady and incompressible RANS (Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes) equations with Realizable k-e turbulence model. Good agreement is found between numerical results and experimental data, in particular pressure coefficient (CP) and total pressure loss coefficient (ω). A detailed flow topology analysis is mentioned and gave the flow structure and the separation zone behavior. It was found that the blowing slot should be located upstream the dual nature critical point which represents the origin of separation. Furthermore, three suction slot configurations are used to control the separation, whereas one configuration on the suction side of the blade and two configurations are on the endwall. The first endwall slot is located parallel to the suction side of the blade and the second one is located perpendicular to the axial chord of the blade. Results indicate that the removal of the corner separation was not achieved using the slots on the blade suction side and on the endwall parallel to the suction side. Contrariwise, the perpendicular endwall slot was found to be most effective and the 3D separation is completely disappeared.