Numerical Investigation of Unsteady Transitional Flows in Turbomachinery Components Based on a RANS Approach

This paper presents results of the numerical simulation of periodically unsteady flows with focus on turbomachinery applications. The unsteady CFD solver used for the simulations is based on the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The numerical scheme applies an extended version of the Spalart–Allmaras one-equation turbulence model coupled with a transition correlation. The first example of validation consists of boundary layer flow with separation bubble on a flat plate, both under steady and periodically unsteady main flow conditions. The investigation includes a variation of the major parameters Strouhal number, amplitude, and Reynolds number. The second, more complex test case consists of the flow through a cascade of turbine blades which is influenced by wakes periodically passing over the cascade. The computations were carried out for two different blade loadings. The results of the numerical simulations are discussed and compared with experimental data in detail. Special emphasis is given to the investigation of boundary layers with regard to transition, separation and reattachment under the influence of main flow unsteadiness.