Numerical simulation of tip clearance flows through linear turbine cascades

Abstract

Three-dimensional turbulent incompressible flow through the tip clearance of a linear turbine rotor cascade with high turning angle has been analyzed numerically. As a preliminary study to predict the tip clearance loss realistically, a generalized k-.epsilon. model derived by RNG (renormalized group) method is used for the modeling of Reynolds stresses to account for the strain rate of turbulent flow. The effects of the tip clearance flow on the passage vortex, the total pressure loss are considered qualitatively. The existences of vena contract and tip clearance vortex have been confirmed and it has been shown that as the size of the tip clearance increases, the accumulated flow through the tip clearance and the total pressure loss downstream of the cascade increase.