Vortex Dynamics and Low-pressure Fluctuations in the Tip-clearance Flow

The tip-clearance flow in axial turbomachines is studied using large-eddy simulation with particular emphasis on understanding the unsteady characteristics of the tip-leakage vortical structures and the underlying mechanisms for cavitation-inducing low-pressure fluctuations. Systematic and detailed analysis of the velocity and pressure fields has been made in a linear cascade with a moving end-wall. The generation and evolution of the tip-leakage vortical structures have been investigated throughout the cascade using mean streamlines and λ2 contours. An analysis of the energy spectra and space-time correlations of the velocity fluctuations suggests that the tip-leakage vortex is subject to a pitchwise low frequency wandering motion. Detailed statistics of the pressure fields has been analyzed to draw inferences on cavitation. The regions of low pressure relative to the mean values coincide with regions of strong pressure fluctuations, and the regions are found to be highly correlated with the vortical structures in the tip-leakage flow, particularly in the tip-leakage and tip-separation vortices.