A Physical Model for the Tip Vortex Loss: Experimental Validation and Scaling Method

Losses through secondary flows occur in every turbomachine. Between the rotating blades and the casing of a turbomachine there is a secondary flow through the tip clearance caused by the pressure difference between the pressure and the suction side of the blade. This tip leakage flow is not involved in the work done by the rotating blades hence it reduces the aerodynamic efficiency. The flow through the tip clearance rolls up to a spiral vortex on the suction side of the blade and induces drag. Size and circulation of this vortex, according to the Helmholtz vortex theorem, depend on the bound vortex and the width of the tip clearance. Examinations of this structure lead to an idea of describing the tip vortex loss with analytical methods. Therefore an analytical approach is made regarding mainly the circulation at the blade tips.The method is discussed critically in the context of known loss models. It is shown to be a good summary of earlier methods. Since no explicit geometry data of the turbomachine is needed, it is much easier to use. The most important aspect is the excellent agreement with measurements performed at the Chair of Fluid Systems Technology. In total eleven different fan configurations are measured and analyzed in regard to their tip clearance losses. The measurements are performed at a test rig located at the laboratory of the Chair of Fluid Systems Technology at Technische Universitat Darmstadt. Additionally further published measurement data is used to validate the method.Copyright © 2012 by ASME