Computation of unsteady turbomachinery flows: Part 1Progress and challenges

Abstract There are numerous unsteady flow influences in turbomachinery. These can potentially make a substantial total impact on efficiency, and hence the environment and operating costs over the life of a gas turbine engine. These unsteadiness sources are reviewed. Also, the turbomachinery zones where unsteady modeling is mandatory for meaningful solutions is outlined. The various unsteady modeling hierarchies are reviewed. These range from linear harmonic to Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS). Unsteady reduced order modeling encompassing deterministic stresses and body forces are reviewed. Hierarchies are presented for different modeling lineages and fidelity levels. Mixed fidelity methods are proposed, where low and high fidelity treatments are combined. For example, Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Simulations (URANS) being combined with body forces to provide appropriate system boundary conditions. A daunting array of modeling and numerical methods and strategies are found for the user to select. Each has their own theoretical limitations. Clearly a user must be aware of these. Reported performances of the different approaches are found to vary considerably between relatively similar applications. The reviewed work suggests that Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), as ever, is an activity that needs strong reviewing of processes, tools and overseeing of modeling practices. With regard to LES, grid densities used for typical complex geometry simulations currently appear to be too coarse. This reflects the lack of current computational performance and hence the need for reduced order models.