Numerical investigation of the unsteady tip leakage flow and rotating stall inception in a transonic compressor

<正>It is well known that tip leakage flow has a strong effect on the compressor performance and stability. This paper reports on a numerical investigation of detailed flow structures in an isolated transonic compressor rotor-NASA Rotor 37 at near stall and stalled conditions aimed at improving understanding of changes in 3D tip leakage flow structures with rotating stall inception.Steady and unsteady 3D Navier-Stokes analyses were conducted to investigate flow structures in the same rotor.For steady analysis,the predicted results agree well with the experimental data for the estimation of compressor rotor global performance.For unsteady flow analysis, the unsteady flow nature caused by the breakdown of the tip leakage vortex in blade tip region in the transonic compressor rotor at near stall condition has been captured with a single blade passage.On the other hand, the time-accurate unsteady computations of multi-blade passage at near stall condition indicate that the unsteady breakdown of the tip leakage vortex triggered the short length-scale-spike type rotating stall inception at blade tip region.It was the forward spillage of the tip leakage flow at blade leading edge resulting in the spike stall inception. As the mass flow ratio is decreased,the rotating stall cell was further developed in the blade passage.     

三角形微槽中的气体滑移流动特性

针对三角形微槽利用正交函数法求解了带一阶滑移边界条件的N-S方程，对不可压燃气体在等腰三角形和等边三角形微槽道内的充分发展层流滑移流动特性进行了理论分析，获得了三角形微槽内的速度分布和阻力特性的分析解，计算结果表明，正交函数法适用于三角形微槽内滑移流动特性的分析计算，在滑移流区，三角形微槽边界上出现滑移流动，且随着Knudsen数（气体分子的平均自由程与流道特征尺寸之比）的增大，壁面上的滑移速度越大，流动阻力随之减小，但三角形微槽的三个角区边界上的滑移速度增加较小，三角形微槽的高宽比对无量纲阻力常数随Kn的变化关系影响很小。     

Numerical simulation on the effect of tip clearance size on unsteadiness in tip clearance flow

Unsteadiness of tip clearance flow with three different tip clearance sizes is numerically investigated in this paper. NASA Rotor 67 is chosen as the computational model. It is found that among all the simulated cases, the un- steadiness exists when the size of the tip clearance is equal to or larger than design tip clearance size. The relative total pressure coefficient contours indicate that region of influence by tip leakage flow augments with the increase of tip clearance size at a fixed mass flow rate. Root Mean Square contours of static pressure distribution in the rotor tip region are provided to illustrate that for design tip clearance （1.1% tip chord） the strongest fluctuating region is located on pressure side of blade near leading edge, while for the larger tip clearance （2.2% tip chord）, it is in the region of the interaction between the shock wave and the tip leakage flow.     

Numerical and Experimental Modelling of Gas Flow and Heat Transfer in the Air Gap of an Electric Machine

This work deals with the cooling of high-speed electric machines, such as motors and generators, through an air gap. It consists of numerical and experimental modeling of gas flow and heat transfer in an annular channel. Velocity and temperature profiles are modeled in the air gap of a high-speed test machine. Friction and heat transfer coefficients are presented in a large velocity range. The goals are reached acceptably using numerical and experimental research. The velocity field by the numerical method does not match in every respect the estimated flow mode. The absence of secondary Taylor vortices is evident when using time averaged numerical simulation.     

Mathematical modelling and experimental investigation of the hybrid desiccant cooling system

In this paper, an experimental study has been conducted on the hybrid desiccant cooling system by removing the latent heat and sensible heat of air separately by mixing it with the desiccant solution in a counter flow manner. This makes air totally dry and thus saves the energy to cool the air in the refrigeration system. The desiccant chosen here is the aqueous solution of calcium chloride. The packed bed inside the absorber as well as the regenerator consists of a polypropylene cascade ring for the efficient mixing of air and desiccant solution. The effects of various parameters such as desiccant inlet temperature, air inlet temperature, mass flow rate of air and desiccant solution have been studied to investigate the performance of the system. Comparing the results with previous studies, a fair agreement has been reported.     

Experimental investigation and numerical modelling of transient two-phase flow in a geysering geothermal well

Measurements of the periodic transient flow in a vertical geysering geothermal well are presented. The 70-m deep, 0.1-m internal diameter well taps a hot (about 87 °C) water aquifer rich in dissolved carbon dioxide. Transient pressures measured at various depths show the various flow regimes that develop in the borehole and demonstrate that the periodic flow is caused by the degassing of the water flowing up the well. A one-dimensional numerical model of the flow has been developed. The computed results exhibit the main characteristics of the test measurements. This agreement between model and measurements is considered to support both the numerical model and the conceptual model of the system deduced from the measurements.     

Numerical simulation of two-fluid electroosmotic flow in microchannels

This paper presents a numerical scheme for stratified two-liquid electroosmotic flows. The simulation results highlight that using the electroosmotic effects can control the interface location of a pressure-driven two-liquid flow. A finite volume method is used to solve the coupled electric potential equation and Navier–Stokes equation together.The validity of the numerical scheme is evaluated by comparing its predictions with the results of the analytical solutions in the fully developed regions. The liquid–liquid interface developments due to the favorably and adversely applied electric field are examined.     

气固两相旋流中气粒两相流场特性数值模拟

以气固旋流分离器为研究对象，对气相采用κ-ε模型及代数应力模型，对颗粒相应用随机轨道模型，并考虑相间耦合的相互作用，建立了描述气固两相旋流中气粒两相流场特性数学模型，同时，应用SIMPLEC方法，成功地进行了气固两相旋流听敢粒两相流场特性数值模拟。结果表明：在内锥体顶部上方易形成旋涡；分离器靠外壁处气流为上升流，且偏向出口；在分离器中心区域存在回流，越靠近底部，回流越明显；尘粒初始位置越靠近分离器入口断面底部与分离器外侧越易到达分离器底部；在相同初始条件下，较大粒径尘粒易于到达分离器底部，较小粒径尘粒则先向分离器底部运动，后又向分离器顶部运行，从而可能从分离器出口跑出，或在分离器中某一位置不停旋转。     

An experimental and numerical investigation on the cross flow through gas diffusion layer in a PEM fuel cell with a serpentine flow channel

A serpentine flow channel is one of the most common and practical channel layouts for a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell since it ensures the removal of water produced in a cell with acceptable parasitic load. During the reactant flows along the flow channel, it can also leak or cross to neighboring channel via the porous gas diffusion layer due to the high pressure gradient caused by the short distance. Such a cross flow leads to a larger effective flow area altering reactant flow in the flow channel so that the resultant pressure and flow distributions are substantially different from that without considering cross flow, even though this cross flow has largely been ignored in previous studies. In this work, a numerical and experimental study has been carried out to investigate the cross flow in a PEM fuel cell. Experimental measurements revealed that the pressure drop in a PEM fuel cell is significantly lower than that without cross flow. Three-dimensional numerical simulation has been performed for wide ranges of flow rate, permeability and thickness of gas diffusion layer to analyze the effects of those parameters on the resultant cross flow and the pressure drop of the reactant streams. Considerable amount of cross flow through gas diffusion layer has been found in flow simulation and its effect on pressure drop becomes more significant as the permeability and the thickness of gas diffusion layer are increased. The effects of this phenomenon are also crucial for effective water removal from the porous electrode structure and for estimating pumping energy requirement in a PEM fuel cell, it cannot be neglected for the analysis, simulation, design, operation and performance optimization of practical PEM fuel cells.     

Numerical and experimental investigation of two-phase flow in an electrochemical cell

In this study, a two-phase mathematical model is adapted to study void fraction distribution, flow field and characteristics of electrolysis process. The model involves transport equations for both liquid and gaseous phases. An experimental set-up is established to collect data to validate and improve the mathematical model. The void fraction is determined from measurement of resistivity changes in the system due to the presence of bubbles. It is observed that there is a good agreement between the numerical results and the experimental data.     

Mathematical modelling of two-phase flow in a vertical well considering paraffin deposits and external heat exchange

Processes, occurring during exploration of gas-oil wells in frozen rock are simulated. A system of differential equations, describing hydro and thermal dynamics of an ascending two-phase flow of a hydrocarbon system in a vertical channel taking into account phase transitions and structure of a flow is developed. Kinetics of paraffin deposits on internal walls of an elevating column of a well are considered. The effect of the heat exchange of a well within frozen rock is developed using differential equations that describe the evolution of the radius of thermal influence of the well and the radius of the melting zone. We conclude with numerical research of some preventive ways of dealing with paraffin deposits.     

Numerical computation of fluid flow and heat transfer in microchannels

Three-dimensional fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena inside heated microchannels is investigated. The steady, laminar flow and heat transfer equations are solved using a finite-volume method. The numerical procedure is validated by comparing the predicted local thermal resistances with available experimental data. The friction factor is also predicted in this study. It was found that the heat input lowers the frictional losses, particularly at lower Reynolds numbers. At lower Reynolds numbers the temperature of the water increases, leading to a decrease in the viscosity and hence smaller frictional losses.     

Numerical and Experimental Modelling of Gas Flow and Heat Transfer in the Air Gap of an Electric Machine. Part Ⅱ： Grooved Surfaces

The study deals with the cooling of a high-speed electric machine through an air gap with numerical and experimental methods. The rotation speed of the test machine is between 5000-40000 r/min and the machine is cooled by a forced gas flow through the air gap. In the previous part of the research the friction coefficient was measured for smooth and grooved stator cases with a smooth rotor. The heat transfer coefficient was recently calculated by a numerical method and measured for a smooth stator-rotor combination. In this report the cases with axial groove slots at the stator and/or rotor surfaces are studied. Numerical flow simulations and measurements have been done for the test machine dimensions at a large velocity range. At constant mass flow rate the heat transfer coefficients by the numerical method attain bigger values with groove slots on the stator or rotor surfaces. The results by the numerical method have been confirmed with measurements. The RdF-sensor was glued to the stator and rotor surfaces to measure the heat flux through the surface, as well as the temperature.     

Numerical modelling and experimental investigation of the fluid flow and contaminant dispersion in a channel

This paper presents results of both a computational and a physical model of the fluid and mass transport processes in a straight channel with flow control obstructions being placed in the channel. The numerical model employs a three-dimensional CFD simulation incorporating turbulent models for the fluid and mass transport in the channel. The experimental investigations provide the necessary boundary conditions and validation data for the computational model. Large recirculating flows are observed in both the numerical and experimental investigations. Salt solutions have been used in the experimental investigations for the contaminant transport and the dispersion of the salt solution in the channel has been studied numerically. We have obtained reasonably good agreement between the numerical predictions and the experimental observations for both the fluid flow and the mass transport processes.     

Numerical investigation of the optimal Nafion ionomer content in cathode catalyst layer: An agglomerate two-phase flow modelling

A two dimensional, across the channel, isothermal, two-phase flow model for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is presented. Reactant transport in porous media, water phase transfer and water transport through the membrane are included. The catalyst layer is modelled as a spherical agglomerate structure. Liquid water occupies the secondary pores of the cathode catalyst layer to form a liquid water coating surrounding the agglomerate. The thickness is calculated by coupling the two-phase flow model with the agglomerate model. Ionomer swelling is associated with the non-uniform distribution of water in the ionomer determined from several processes occurring simultaneously, namely (1) water phase transfer between the vapour, dissolved and liquid water; (2) membrane/ionomer water content depending on the water vapour pressure; (3) a water film covering the catalyst agglomerate; (4) water transport through the membrane via electro-osmotic drag, back diffusion and hydraulic permeation. The model optimises the initial dry ionomer content in the cathode catalyst layer. The simulation results indicate that, to achieve the best fuel cell performance, the initial dry ionomer volume fraction should be controlled around 10%, corresponding to 0.3 mg cm⁻². By considering the effect of ionomer swelling on the reduction in CCL porosity and the increase in oxygen mass transport resistance, the accuracy of the model prediction is improved, especially at higher current densities.     

Numerical 3D model of viscous turbulent flow in one stage gas turbine and its experimental validation

The paper describes 3D numerical Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model and approximate sector approach for viscous turbulent flow through flow path of one stage axial supercharge gas turbine of marine diesel engine. Computational data are tested by comparison with experimental data. The back step flow path opening and tip clearance jet are taken into account. This approach could be applied for variety of turbine theory and design tasks: for offer optimal design in order to minimize kinetic energy stage losses; for solution of partial supply problem; for analysis of flow pattern in near extraction stages; for estimation of rotational frequency variable forces on blades; for sector vane adjustment (with thin leading edges mainly), for direct flow modeling in the turbine etc. The development of this work could be seen in the direction of unsteady stage model application.     

Numerical simulation of roughness effects on flow and heat transfer in microchannels at slip flow regime

A numerical simulation for studying fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in microchannels at slip flow regime with consideration of slip and temperature jump is studied. The wall roughness is simulated in two cases with periodically distributed triangular microelements and random shaped micro peaks distributed on the wall surfaces. Various Knudsen numbers have used to investigate the effects of rarefaction. The numerical results have also checked with available theoretical and experimental relations and good agreements has achieved. It has been found that rarefaction has more significant effect on flow field in microchannels with higher relative roughness. The negative influence of roughness on fluid flow and heat transfer found to be the friction factor increment and Nusselt number reduction. In addition high influence of roughness distribution and shape has been shown by a comparison of Poiseuille and Nusselt numbers for tow different cases.     

Measurement and analysis of tip clearance unsteady flow spectrum in axial-flow fan rotor

The dynamic pressure measurement device and test technology are described in this study. The tip clearance unsteady flow development from the inlet to the outlet of an axial-flow rotor was revealed by analyzing pressure frequency spectrum acquired from measuring the unsteady pressure field of the tip endwall. The experiment provides test basis for thoroughly understanding the tip clearance unsteady flow and building interaction models of tip clearance flow and main flow. __________ Translated from Compressor, Blower & Fan Technology, 2007, (5): 12–15 [译自: 风机技术]     

Performance evaluation of solar dryer system for optimal operation: mathematical modelling and experimental validation

An analytical moisture diffusion model which considers the influence of external resistance to mass transfer is developed. The methodology to determine constant and variable moisture diffusion coefficients, D_eff is proposed. A laboratory model of mixed-mode solar dryer is constructed to perform 16 experiments for different performance dependent variables under simulated indoor conditions. The potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) of Kufri Safed variety have been chosen as the test food product. The range of variables investigated is absorbed thermal energy (150–750 W/m²); air mass flow rate (0.009–0.022 kg/s); loading density (1.08–4.33 kg/m²) and sample thickness (5–18 mm). The efficiency results have been analysed to identify the value of each process variable leading to optimal operation of dryer. The study reveals that dryer with sample thickness of 8 mm and loading density of 4.33 kg/m² can operate optimally for absorbed energy of 450 W/m² and air mass flow rate of 0.017 kg/s.     

Analytic modelling of a falling film absorber and experimental determination of transfer coefficients

Accurate interpretation of the experimental data on falling film flows is a critical part of the investigations in the field of absorption energy system research. However, there is no theoretically proven way to determine experimental heat and mass transfer coefficients for non-isothermal absorption falling film flows. In this article, firstly, it is shown how the governing equations of a falling film absorber can be reduced to two ordinary differential equations and analytic expressions can be obtained for the temperature and concentration profiles along the absorber. Secondly, a new method is proposed to determine heat and mass transfer coefficients from experimental data and its application is demonstrated by reprocessing the experimental data from two experimental studies reported in the literature. The results show that some of the experimental data were misinterpreted by conventional methods and the errors were negligible only when heat and mass fluxes were small, which agrees with the fact that the obtained analytic solutions approach the conventional logarithmic heat and mass transfer equations in such conditions.