An Assessment of the Laminar Kinetic Energy Concept for the Prediction of High-Lift, Low-Reynolds Number Cascade Flows

TitleAn Assessment of the Laminar Kinetic Energy Concept for the Prediction of High-Lift, Low-Reynolds Number Cascade Flows
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsPacciani R, Marconcini M, Arnone A, Bertini F
JournalProceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy
Volume225
Issue7
Pagination995-1003
Date Published2011
ISSN Number0957-6509
Accession NumberWOS:000299473300015
Other NumbersScopus 2-s2.0-84856280047
KeywordsHigh Lift, LKE, LPT, Separated Flow Transition
Abstract

The laminar kinetic energy (LKE) concept has been applied to the prediction of low-Reynolds number flows, characterized by separation-induced transition, in high-lift airfoil cascades for aeronautical low pressure turbine applications. The LKE transport equation has been coupled with the low-Reynolds number formulation of the Wilcox's k-omega turbulence model. The proposed methodology has been assessed against two high-lift cascade configurations, characterized by different loading distributions and suction side diffusion rates, and tested over a wide range of Reynolds numbers. The aft-loaded T106C cascade is studied in both high and low speed conditions for several expansion ratios and inlet freestream turbulence values. The front-loaded T108 cascade is analyzed in high speed, low freestream turbulence conditions. Numerical predictions with steady inflow conditions are compared to measurements carried out by the von Karman Institute and the University of Cambridge. Results obtained with the proposed model show its ability to predict the evolution of the separated flow region, including bubble bursting phenomenon and the formation of open separations, in high-lift low-Reynolds number cascade flows.

Notes

winner of 2011 SAGE Best Paper Award (JPE)

 http://pia.sagepub.com/cgi/collection/2011

URLhttp://pia.sagepub.com/content/225/7/995
DOI10.1177/0957650911412444
Refereed DesignationRefereed