Optimization study on the influence of little blades’ spatial position on a compressor cascade performance

Abstract

To reveal the importance of little blades’ spatial position to improve the cascade performance at different condition, the pitchwise and axial direction of the little blades on the end-wall are adopted as the optimization variables to complete a double-objective optimization. Meanwhile, the three-dimensional flow field characteristics of the cascade with and without little blades are analyzed comparatively. The study found that as the optimal solutions are obtained at the three bigger incidences (3°, 5°, and 7°), the optimal position is always close to the leading edge of blade and far away from the blade suction surface, and the more intuitive design suggestions are given in this article. Moreover, at the near design conditions (−1°, 0°, and 1°), little blades increase the total pressure loss and reduce the static pressure, which are considered unsuitable for improving the cascade performance. If the stable operation range are the main performance indicators, the optimization of the little blades’ spatial position should be completed at the near stall condition (7° incidence). If the conditions with mid-range incidences (2°< i <5°) are the main performance index, the parameter optimization of little blades should be achieved at 5°. Based on the further flow field analysis of the optimization results obtained at 3°, 5°, and 7° incidences (named Opt_Act3, Opt_Act5, and Opt_Act7), the induced vortices resist the effect of axial reverse pressure gradient and pass through the blade passage, which is the main reason for the total pressure loss reduction. Appropriate spatial position of little blades not only strengthens the capability to prevent the low-energy fluids accumulating in the corner region near the end-wall, but exhibits sufficient advantage to weaken the boundary layer.