Numerical Calculations of the Turbulent Flow Through a Controlled Diffusion Compressor Cascade

Abstract

The viscous flow through a controlled diffusion (CD) compressor cascade was calculated and compared with the measured data for two different test conditions. A control volume method was used, which has been developed for a generalized nonorthogonal coordinate system. The discretized equations for the physical covariant velocity components were obtained by an algebraic manipulation of the discretized equations for the Cartesian velocity components. Low Reynolds number k–ε turbulence models were used to obtain the eddy viscosity. The numerical scheme using the low Reynolds number k–ε turbulence model reasonably predicted the general performance, i.e, mean outlet flow angle and loss coefficients. The development of the shear layer along the pressure and suction sides was well estimated, and the physical features found in the experiment were reasonably well confirmed in the simulation. However, the calculated profiles of mean velocity and turbulent kinetic energy in the near wake show considerable disagreement with the measured values.