Detailed Investigation of RANS and LES Predictions of Loss Generation in an Axial Compressor Cascade at Off Design Incidences

Abstract

In the design of modern jet engines the need for accurate loss prediction techniques is ever present. The most common tool currently in use is Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes model which provides good estimation at design conditions but can struggle with off design conditions. With accuracy being such an important requirement, an alternative method such as Large Eddy Simulation presents an opportunity to improve and assess the off design performance. Although still limited by computational resources, the use of Large Eddy Simulations in conjunction with more detailed loss analysis methods forms a powerful tool for assessing and improving current Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes techniques. The simulations performed here are an incidence sweep at off-design conditions with free stream turbulence. The results of the two methodologies are compared with the use of loss breakdown analysis and the best practice of applying the loss breakdown technique to compressors is outlined.