Quantification and Analysis of the Irreversible Flow Loss in a Linear Compressor Cascade

Area of Science:

• Fluid Dynamics
• Aerodynamics
• Turbomachinery

Background:

• Understanding irreversible flow loss mechanisms is crucial for improving compressor efficiency.
• Existing models may not fully capture complex flow phenomena in linear cascades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate local and integral loss models for irreversible flow loss analysis in a linear compressor cascade.
• To investigate the impact of incidence angle on flow loss distribution and mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• High-fidelity simulations using the Shear Stress Transport Detached Eddy Simulation (SSTDES) model.
• Analysis of flow losses at incidence angles of 2°, 4°, and 7°.
• Application of local and integral loss models to quantify irreversible losses.

Main Results:

• Local loss coefficient contours correlate with three-dimensional flow structures.
• Integral loss model predictions align with total pressure loss coefficients.
• Boundary layer shear losses remain consistent, while secondary flow losses increase significantly with incidence angle (26.1% to 64.3%) due to corner stall.

Conclusions:

• The proposed integral loss model effectively evaluates irreversible losses across different flow regions and conditions.
• Corner stall significantly contributes to the rise in secondary flow losses with increasing incidence angle.
• The L iso-surface method elucidates the variation of secondary flow loss with incidence angle.