Effects of System Rotation on Turbulence Structure: A Review Relevant to Turbomachinery Flows

Abstract

Turbomachine rotor flows may be affected by system rotation in various ways. Coriolis and centrifugal forces are responsible for (i) modification of the structure of turbulence in boundary layers and free shear layers, (ii) the generation of secondary flows, and (iii) “buoyancy” currents in cases where density gradients occur. Turbulence modification involves reduction (stabilization) or increase (destabilization) of turbulent Reynolds stresses by Coriolis forces; effects which areof special importance for the understanding and prediction of flows in radial and mixed flow pump and compressor rotors. Stabilization/destabilization effects are discussed by a selective review of the basic research literature on flows in straight, radial, rotating channels and diffusers.