This paper investigates the use of a Vortex Lattice Method to simulate tip-leakage flow with small computational effort. The module PyLiSuite presented in the present paper has been completely developed from scratch and is validated on two-dimensional and three-dimensional basic cases. The validation lies on the estimate of the lift coefficient computed from the circulation given by the module. The capabilities of PyLiSuite regarding tip-leakage flow are gauged in comparison with novel experimental measurements on a single blade with an adjustable gap. The results show a good prediction of the shape and size of the tip-leakage vortex for large tip gaps. Differences in the position and the deficit of static pressure in the core of the vortex are noted. The future improvements on the module concern the influence of viscosity to be accounted for and the computation time which could be shortened.
The dependence of the tip-leakage flow to the tip gap size is investigated on the third rotor of a high-pressure axial compressor. Three tip clearances are simulated with a hybrid RANS/LES approach at the nominal operating point with the objective of resolving better the vortical structures in the tip region. The numerical results are in fair agreement with the experiment in the tip region, for the largest gap. The structures depicted in the simulations indicate stronger vortical structures with the larger gaps and a significant blockage induced by them. The results indicate that a double leakage takes place about midchord for the larger gap, changing completely the dynamics of the leakage flow, likely to be causing a vortex breakdown. This also occurs for the intermediate gap but with a lower intensity and no breakdown. The power spectral density at the trailing edge at the tip finally illustrates the higher energy levels for increasing gap values.
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