Influence of the inlet boundary layer on non-axisymmetric endwall contouring effects in a linear compressor cascade

Abstract

The modern aero-engine compressors are commonly designed to be highly loaded which can introduce strong three-dimensional flow separation, and effective flow control is of vital importance in improving compressor performance. Non-axisymmetric endwall contouring nowadays is conducted on axial compressors to control the flow separation. In this paper, a contoured endwall is designed based on a linear CDA compressor cascade. The genetic algorithm and ANN surrogate model are used in the optimization process of the hub contouring, based on RANS simulations. Three inlet boundary layers which follow the fully turbulent boundary layer assumption are generated with different thickness, and the influence mechanism is numerically investigated. The optimal endwall with streamwise concave near the suction side provides great performance improvement at all inlet boundary layers at the aerodynamic design point. The endwall flow near the suction side is accelerated by the contoured endwall with cross-flow pressure gradient altered, suppressing the corner separation. The main pressure loss is closely related to one streamwise vortex that blocks the endwall flow. A thicker inlet boundary layer can induce early forming and increased strength on the streamwise vortex, enhancing the cross-flow movement and its interaction with the blade surface flow. In addition, the pressure loss near endwall in the inlet boundary layer is found more dominant on the endwall contouring effect than the boundary layer thickness.