Secondary Flows in a Transonic Cascade: Validation of a 3-D Navier-Stokes Code

In this work is presented a finite volume full 3-D Navier-Stokes solver suitable for turbulent turbomachinery computations. The code is applied to the analysis of the secondary flow patterns in a transonic turbine cascade at three different isentropic outlet Mach numbers; namely 0.50, 1.02, 1.38. Detailed measurements obtained in four planes downstream of the trailing edge allow for comparison of losses, flow angles, vorticity and hence for a deep evaluation of the accuracy of the numerical results. Moreover the code is used to gain insight into the formation and the evolution of secondary flows inside the blade passage, into the generation of losses and into characteristic feature of these flows hard to detect experimentally. All the above mentioned aspects are examined and discussed as well as the influence of compressibility, giving thus a precise picture of secondary flows in the transonic regime.Copyright © 1992 by ASME