Aerodynamic Analysis of Multistage Turbomachinery Flows in Support of Aerodynamic Design

Abstract

This paper summarizes the state of 3D CFD based models of the time-averaged flow field within axial flow multistage turbomachines. Emphasis is placed on models that are compatible with the industrial design environment and those models that offer the potential of providing credible results at both design and off-design operating conditions. The need to develop models free of aerodynamic input from semiempirical design systems is stressed. The accuracy of such models is shown to be dependent upon their ability to account for the unsteady flow environment in multistage turbomachinery. The relevant flow physics associated with some of the unsteady flow processes present in axial flow multistage machinery are presented along with procedures that can be used to account for them in 3D CFD simulations. Sample results are presented for both axial flow compressors and axial flow turbines that help to illustrate the enhanced predictive capabilities afforded by including these procedures in 3D CFD simulations. Finally, suggestions are given for future work on the development of time-averaged flow models. [S0889-504X(00)02002-X]