A finite element solution of unsteady two-dimensional flow in cascades

SUMMARY A theory is presented for unsteady two-dimensional potential transonic flow in cascades of compressor and turbine blades using a mesh of triangular finite elements. The theory leads to a computer program, FINSUP, which is fast and has moderate storage requirements, so that it can be run on a personal computer. Comparisons with other theories in special cases show that the program is accurate in subsonic flow, and that in supersonic flow, although the wave effects are smeared by the numerical process, the results for overall blade force and moment have acceptable accuracy. The program is useful for engineering assessment of unstalled flutter of actual compressor and turbine blades.