Numerical investigation of loss generation mechanisms of flow in turbomachinery by using curved square duct

The secondary flow within a passage of turbomachinery exhibits a complex flow pattern by the effect of the centrifugal and the Coriolis forces. The passage vortex in this secondary flow generates a major part of the losses. However, the mechanism of the loss generation has not been fully clarified yet. In this point of view, the passage vortex is closely examined by the computational method using the two-dimensional curved square ducts as fundamental models. The inlet boundary layer thickness and the inlet velocity distortion are considered to be the major parameters affecting the generation of passage vortex in the present study. The computed results revealed that the passage vortex gave the predominant effects for the generation of loss not only in the breakdown process but also in the development process.