Numerical Investigation on the Influence of Continuous Rotating Backpropagation Pressure Wave on Turbine Performance

Abstract

Researches have shown that the use of a continuous detonation afterburner can improve the propulsion performance of aero engine. However, backpropagation pressure waves (BPW) generated by the pressure gain of detonation will affect the internal flow and performance of turbine. This article simulates BPW through a custom function, and investigates the effects of BPW amplitude, rotation frequency, and propagation mode on turbine performance through three-dimensional simulation. The results show that as the pressure amplitude of the BPW increases, the pressure oscillation at each section of the turbine increases and a local subcritical flow state will appear, leading to the decrease of turbine flowrate and turbine power, as well as an intensification of instantaneous turbine power fluctuations. As the rotation frequency of the BPW increases, the pressure oscillation at each section of the turbine gradually decreases. The flowrate and power of the turbine do not change much, but turbine efficiency gradually decreases. Compared to the aligned mode, the turbine performs better under the influence of BPW in misaligned mode. Compared to the single-wave mode, the fluctuation of transient turbine power is lower under the influence of BPW in the multiwave mode excluding collision mode. Finally, the constraints of equal flowrate region and equal turbine power line on the peak-to-peak value of the BPW were analyzed when the joint operation of the turbine and compressor was not affected. The rotation frequency and mode of BPW will affect the flowrate region and power line.