Effects of vortex generator jet on corner separation/stall in high-turning compressor cascade

Abstract

The effects of the vortex generator jet(VGJ)attached at the endwall on the corner separation/stall control are investigated by numerical simulation in a high-turning linear compressor cascade. The results show that the corner separation could be reduced significantly, which results in a wider operation range as well as a more uniform exit flow angle and total pressure profile. At the near-stall operation point, the maximum relative reduction of the total pressure loss is up to 32.5%,, whereas the jet mass ratio is less than 0.4%,. Based on the analysis of the detailed flow structure, three principal effects of the VGJ on the endwall cross flow and corner separation are identified. One is to increase the tangential velocity component opposite to cross flow, thus inhibiting the endwall secondary flow near the jet exit. The second is to suppress the pitchwise extension of the passage vortex as an air fence. The third is to sweep the low energy fluids towards the mainstream on the up-washed side and to transport the mainstream fluids to the endwall to reenergize the boundary layer on the down-washed side.