Mechanism Investigation of Effects of Plow Vortex Generator on High-Load Compressor Cascade

Numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the action mechanism of plow vortex generator (Plow VG) on flow control in a low-Mach number high-loaded compressor cascade. An approach installing vortex generators ahead of the blades leading edge was proposed, the change of the performance of the cascade and the structure of the secondary flow in the channel were compared and analyzed. According to the simulation results, vortex (suction/pressure surface vortex) induced by Plow VG is similar to the horseshoe vortex at the blade leading edge, owing to the vortex, low energy flow within boundary layer is rolled and the capability for resisting adverse pressure gradient is enhanced, weakening the cross flow and corner separation. Furthermore, strong vortex induced by Plow VG reduces the strength of secondary flow and redistributes the loss along the blade span, the aerodynamic performance of the cascade under-3° to 7° attack angle improved significantly, average total pressure loss coefficient decreased by 8.04% and average static pressure coefficient increases 7.75% at design point of-1° attack angle, average total pressure loss coefficient decreased by 15.87% and average static pressure coefficient increases 21.79% at the operating condition of 5° attack angle. © 2017, Editorial Department of Journal of Propulsion Technology. All right reserved.