Flow Mechanism Study on the Effect of Controllable Speed Casing With Different Axial Starting Points on Transonic Compressor Rotor Stability

Abstract

The controllable speed casing represents an exploring approach to casing technology, designed to enhance the adaptability of casing in compressors under variable working conditions. This paper developed a numerical study into the effects of the axial starting point of the rotatable ring in the controllable speed casing on stability enhancement and performance. Additionally, the study sought to unveil the action mechanism of the rotating casing on various flow elements within the tip passage. The findings indicated that the optimal axial starting point for achieving the most pronounced stability enhancement effect in each rotating speed of the rotatable ring was located at the tip leading edge. In terms of the flow mechanism, the rotation of the rotatable ring was found to enhance the throughflow of the mainstream and the tip vortex, while exacerbating the backflow of the tip leakage flow, which occurred at middle and rear of the tip clearance and had not evolved into tip vortex.