Loss assessment of a counter rotating open rotor using URANS/LES with phase-lagged assumption (draft)

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the study of the losses generated in a Counter Rotating Open Rotor (CROR) configuration at three different operating conditions (approach, cutback and sideline). Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) and Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) approaches are used and compared to describe the flow field and the mechanisms of loss. Since no common circumferential periodicity occurs in the two blade rows of the configuration (11 blades for the front rotor and 9 for the rear rotor), a full 360 ∘ simulation would be required. In order to reduce the related computational cost, a phase-lagged assumption approach is used. This method enables to perform unsteady simulations on multi-stage propulsive configurations including multiple frequency flows with a computational domain reduced to one single blade passage for each row. The phase-lagged approach requires a large data storage reduced in the study by a data compression method. The data compression method is based on a Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) replacing the traditional Fourier Series Decomposition (FSD). The inherent limitation of the phase-shifted periodicity assumption remains with the POD data storage but this compression method alleviates some issues associated with the FSD, especially spectrum content issues. The analysis of the losses generated in the configuration is based on an entropy formulation. In particular, the losses are split between boundary layer contributions and the remaining domain where wakes and secondary flows occur. The study shows the influence of the leading edge vortex on the suction side boundary layer transition of the front and rear rotor blades at high rotational speed (cutback and sideline). The main source of losses is associated with the suction side boundary layer over the front and rear rotor blades with a main peak of loss production at around 75% of the blade chord.