Computation of the stability derivatives via CFD and the sensitivity equations

The method to calculate the aerodynamic stability derivates of aircrafts by using the sensitivity equations is ex- tended to flows with shock waves in this paper. Using the newly developed second-order cell-centered finite volume scheme on the unstructured-grid, the unsteady Euler equations and sensitivity equations are solved simultaneously in a non-inertial frame of reference, so that the aerodynamic stability derivatives can be calculated for aircrafts with complex geometries. Based on the numerical results, behavior of the aerodynamic sensitivity parameters near the shock wave is discussed. Furthermore, the stability derivatives are analyzed for supersonic and hypersonic flows. The numerical results of the stability derivatives are found in good agree- ment with theoretical results for supersonic flows, and variations of the aerodynamic force and moment predicted by the stability derivatives are very close to those obtained by CFD simulation for both supersonic and hypersonic flows.

Dual stability enhancement mechanisms of axial-slot casing treatment in a high-speed mixed-flow compressor with various tip clearances

The influence of Axial-Slot Casing Treatment(ASCT)on the performance and stability enhancement mechanisms of ASCT were experimentally and numerically investigated in a highspeed mixed-flow compressor under three different tip clearances.Unsteady simulations showed the compressor stalled through end-wall stall route,i.e.the spike stall inception originating from rotor tip region,which was validated by dynamical measurements.When the ASCT was applied,greater than 20%of Stall Margin Improvement(SMI)could be achieved for the compressor under each tip clearance size.The streamwise velocity contours and flow structures in the tip region and axial slots were deeply analyzed to explore how the so called‘‘suction and injection effects"generated by the ASCT manipulate tip clearance flow and enhance the stability of compressor under different tip clearances.It was found that the dominant stability enhancement mechanisms of ASCT varies with tip clearance size for the mixed-flow compressor.(A)For the small tip clearance,the dominant mechanism of stability enhancement is the blockage reduction generated in the blade passage by the suction effect of ASCT.(B)For the large tip clearance,the injection effect of the ASCT is the dominant mechanism of stability enhancement with ASCT,which plays the leading role in delaying the spillage of incoming/tip leakage flow interface at the rotor Leading Edge(LE)plane.

Improving the performance of ducted fans for VTOL applications:A review

Ducted fans have been widely used in VTOL aircraft due to the high propulsion efficiency and safety.The efficiency and stability of ducted fans deteriorate in some flight conditions such as hovering in crosswinds or ground effect.It is necessary to optimize the ducted fan’s structures or apply flow control methods for better adaptions to the typical conditions.This paper presents a detailed review on the ducted fan technology for VTOL applications,especially the methods for improving its efficiency and stability.We first simplified the classification categories based on boundary conditions instead of flight conditions,since the new classification method covers more situations and is easier to distinguish flow field characteristics.The flow characteristics,thrust properties and the optimal structures under different boundary conditions were summarized and discussed.Finally,new configurations and flow control methods for increasing the efficiency and stability were introduced.The newly proposed integration design between the ducted fan and the motor was emphasized for increasing the power density of the ducted fans.This review would be helpful to improve our understanding of the relationship between the structures,flow characteristics and thrust properties of ducted fans under different flight conditions,and inspires scientists to design high-efficiency and high-stability propulsion systems with ducted fans.

Numerical Investigation of Inlet Distortion on an Axial Flow Compressor Rotor with Circumferential Groove Casing Treatment

On the base of an assumed steady inlet circumferential total pressure distortion, three-dimensional time-dependent numerical simulations are conducted on an axial flow subsonic compressor rotor. The performances and flow fields of a compressor rotor, either casing treated or untreated, are investigated in detail either with or without inlet pressure distortion. Results show that the circumferential groove casing treatment can expand the operating range of the compressor rotor either with or without inlet pressure distortion at the expense of a drop in peak isentropic efficiency. The casing treatment is capable of weakening or even removing the tip leakage vortex effectively either with or without inlet distortion. In clean inlet circumstances, the enhancement and forward movement of tip leakage vortex cause the untreated compressor rotor to stall. By contrast, with circumferential groove casing, the serious flow separation on the suction surface leads to aerodynamic stalling eventually. In the presence of inlet pressure distortion, the blade loading changes from passage to passage as the distorted inflow sector is traversed. Similar to the clean inlet circumstances, with a smooth wall casing, the enhancement and forward movement of tip leakage vortex are still the main factors which lead to the compressor rotor stalling eventually. When the rotor works trader near stall conditions, the blockage resulting from the tip leakage vortex in all the passages is very serious. Especially in several passages, flow-spillage is observed. Compared to the clean inlet circumstances, circumferential groove casing treatment can also eliminate the low energy zone in the outer end wall region effectively.