An Assessment of the Laminar Kinetic Energy Concept for the Prediction of High-Lift, Low-Reynolds Number Cascade Flows

The laminar kinetic energy (LKE) concept has been applied to the prediction of low-Reynolds number flows, characterized by separation-induced transition, in high-lift airfoil cascades for aeronautical low pressure turbine applications. The LKE transport equation has been coupled with the low-Reynolds number formulation of the Wilcox's k - ! turbulence model. The proposed methodology has been assessed against two high-lift cascade configurations, characterized by different loading distributions and suction side diffusion rates, and tested over a wide range of Reynolds numbers. The aft-loaded T106C cascade is studied in both high and low speed conditions for several expansion ratios and inlet freestream turbulence values. The front-loaded T108 cascade is analyzed in high speed, low freestream turbulence conditions. Numerical predictions with steady inflow conditions are compared to measurements carried out by the von Karman Institute and the University of Cambridge. Results obtained with the proposed model show its ability to predict the evolution of the separated flow region, including bubble bursting phenomenon and the formation of open separations, in high-lift low-Reynolds number cascade flows.