Evaluation of RANS turbulence models in simulating the corner separation of a high-speed compressor cascade

Abstract

A typical high-speed compressor cascade flow is simulated using an eddy viscosity model and a Reynolds stress model. Based on comparisons with experimental results, the simulation accuracies of the two turbulence models are evaluated, and some recommendations are provided for further research. Inside the cascade flow passage, the simulation accuracies of both turbulence models decrease because of the corner effect. Downstream of the blade, the wake mixing influence, and thus the flow loss, is under-predicted by both turbulence models. Compared with the linear eddy viscosity model, the modification of the simulation accuracy with regard to endwall flow prediction using the Reynolds stress model is limited, which only occurs at a highly positive incidence angle. The corner separation strength and wake mixing influence predicted by the eddy viscosity model are surpassed by those of the Reynolds stress model. At a negative incidence angle, the simulation result of the Reynolds stress model is proved to be physically unreasonable according to the flow loss prediction.