Radial Transport and Momentum Exchange in an Axial Compressor

Abstract

The objective of this work was to examine radial transport in axial compressors from two perspectives. The first was to compare the mixing coefficient based on a secondary flow model (using measured radial velocities) with that based on a turbulent diffusion model. The second was to use measured airfoil pressure forces and momentum changes to assess the validity of the assumption of diffusive radial transport, which is common to both models. These examinations were carried out at both design and off-design conditions as well as for two rotor tip clearances. In general it was seen that radial mixing was strongest near the hub and that it increased dramatically at near-stall conditions. It was also seen that radial transport could cause large differences (≈ 100 percent) between the force on an airfoil and the change in momentum across the airfoil at the same spanwise location.