Advanced application of a sublayer fence probe in highly instationary turbomachinery flows: observations on prestall instabilities

• Published in: Experiments in fluids 2019-03, Vol.60 (3), p.1-17, Article 47
• Main Authors: Eck, Mario, Rückert, Roland, Peitsch, Dieter
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Computation; Engineering; Engineering Fluid Dynamics; Engineering Thermodynamics; Flow velocity; Fluid- and Aerodynamics; Heat and Mass Transfer; Mathematical models; Pressure dependence; Research Article; Stalling; Static pressure; Turbocompressors; Turbomachinery; Unsteady flow; Viscous sublayers; Wall flow
• ISSN: 0723-4864; 1432-1114
• DOI: 10.1007/s00348-019-2686-5

The present paper introduces a novel approach for measuring near wall flow velocities by utilizing a sublayer surface fence probe. Hereby, a difference in static pressure builds up over a microscopic obstacle within the viscous sublayer. An analytical model of the angular dependent pressure difference is employed to derive information about the flow direction. Furthermore, a computational preston tube approach has been used to calibrate the surface fence probe with regard to a flow velocity to be assigned to half of the fence height. Through the use of a sophisticated analyzing algorithm the flow direction and its velocity can be determined as a function of time. As a proof of concept measurements were conducted within the radial gap of an annular compressor rig yielding both mean and time resolved near wall flow fields. Former are in very good compliance with oil flow visualizations proving the methods accuracy. The experimental results give unprecedented insights into an unsteady flow phenomenon that arises when an axial compressor is operating close to its stalling limit. The presented technique allows for investigating turbomachinery areas which formerly were observable only by computational means. Graphical Abstract