Turbomachine Airfoil Vortex Generator Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Turbomachines experience efficiency losses due to corner vortices forming at airfoil roots and tips, which are difficult to mitigate with existing vortex generator devices that are costly and hard to fabricate while minimizing aerodynamic losses.
Innovation Solution
The turbomachine element incorporates a group of vortex generator devices, including straight fins, upstream from airfoil roots and tips, with axial and tangential offsets to redirect vortices towards the suction side, maintaining a low angle of attack to minimize resistance and simplify fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vortex generator devices are placed upstream from the airfoil set to reduce corner vortices, then the efficiency loss due to corner vortices is reduced, but the aerodynamic losses increase and the device becomes complex and expensive to fabricate
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator device is segmented into multiple individual vortex generators arranged in rows upstream of the airfoil set. Each vortex generator is a separate element that can be independently positioned and oriented, allowing the system to achieve the desired flow control effect while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The segmentation enables distribution of the vortex generation function across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex generators are positioned in multiple rows upstream of the airfoil set, utilizing the axial dimension to create a distributed array of vortex generators. This multi-row arrangement allows the device to effectively control corner vortices without requiring each individual generator to be overly complex, as the collective action of multiple simpler generators achieves the desired flow modification.
2Reliability
If the vortex generator device is oriented at a large angle of incidence at the trailing edge to redirect vortices towards the suction side, then the vortex redirection effectiveness is improved, but the resistance to fluid flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each vortex generator is designed with a specific local geometry that generates vortices directed towards the suction side of the airfoil. The generators are positioned at specific locations upstream of the airfoil set, with their orientation and dimensions optimized for their local position. This local optimization allows effective vortex redirection while minimizing the overall resistance to flow.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple vortex generators are arranged in rows upstream of the airfoil set, creating a distributed array that collectively redirects vortices towards the suction side. Rather than relying on a single large-angle generator that would create high resistance, the system uses multiple generators with more moderate individual angles, achieving the desired vortex redirection through their combined effect.
3Ease of manufacture
If the vortex generator device is made simple in shape to ease fabrication, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to redirect vortices towards the suction side is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator device is divided into multiple simple individual generators rather than one complex structure. Each generator has a simple geometry that is easy to manufacture, but when arranged in specific patterns and orientations upstream of the airfoil set, they collectively achieve effective vortex redirection towards the suction side.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simple vortex generators are combined in an array configuration upstream of the airfoil set. The collective action of these simple individual elements achieves the vortex redirection effect that would require a much more complex single device. The merging of multiple simple generators creates the desired flow control effect while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively reduces local separations at airfoil suction sides with low aerodynamic losses and easier manufacturing, enhancing turbomachine efficiency by directing vortices generated by the devices towards the suction side.
Implementation Method 1
the vortices generated by those devices deliver energy to the flow of the boundary layers adjacent to the suction side, in order to prevent local separation forming the airfoil corner vortex
Implementation Method 2
the flow of the boundary layers adjacent to the suction side
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine element including an airfoil set including a plurality of airfoils that are offset from one another in a lateral direction, and upstream from at least one end of each airfoil, a group of a plurality of vortex generator devices that are mutually offset both laterally and axially.