Effect of the Axial Casing Groove Geometry on the Production and Distribution of Reynolds Stresses in the Tip Region of an Axial Compressor Rotor

Stereo-PIV data are used for investigating the effect of axial casing groove (ACG) geometry on the distribution, evolution, and production rates of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and Reynolds stresses near a rotor tip. The ACGs delay the onset of stall by entraining the tip leakage vortex (TLV) and cause periodic changes to incidence angle. These effects are decoupled using semicircular, U-shaped, and S-shaped grooves that have similar inlets, but different outflow directions. Most TKE distribution trends can be explained by the local turbulence production rates, elucidating the different mechanisms involved and providing a unique database for turbulence modeling. Interaction of the tip flow with the ACGs modifies the highly anisotropic and inhomogeneous passage turbulence. In all cases, the TKE is high in the TLV center and shear layer connecting the TLV to the rotor tip. At prestall flowrate, TLV entrainment reduces the passage turbulence level, but introduces elevated turbulence in the corner vortex formed at the downstream corner of grooves, and in shear layers developing at the exit from grooves. The location of peaks and the dominant components vary among grooves. Near the best efficiency point, interactions of the TLV with the circumferentially negative outflow from the U and semicircular ACGs generate high turbulence levels, which extend deep into the passage. In contrast, interactions with S grooves are limited, resulting in a substantially lower turbulence level. Accordingly, the S groove maintains the untreated endwall efficiency, while the U and semicircular grooves reduce the peak efficiency.