Effect of double bypass conditions on the thermodynamic characteristics and internal flow mechanisms in a variable core cycle compression system

Abstract

The performance of variable cycle core compression system (VCCCS) is crucial for achieving mode transition in variable cycle engine (VCE). The double bypass matching characteristics and internal flow mechanisms of the VCCCS under various conditions are investigated in this study. The results indicate that, in the low bypass ratio (LBR) mode, Under the near choke or design point conditions of external bypass, internal bypass throttling causes the excessive blockage of low-energy fluid near the suction surface of high-pressure compressor (HPC) second stator, which leading the flow instability in VCCCS. Under the near stall condition of external bypass, internal bypass throttling causes the CDFS to reach the stall boundary firstly. The flow instability is triggered by the interaction between tip leakage flow and shock waves in CDFS rotor tip. Following mode transition, the CDFS exhibits lower flow and load, resulting in changes in the matching state of HPC due to the strong coupling effects of upstream components, thereby altering the matching characteristics and flow instability mechanisms of the VCCCS. The impact of different bypass conditions on VCCCS performance is elucidated, further establishing the association between bypass exit meridian velocity and VCCCS performance, which is helpful to select key design parameters.