Session: 35-03 Compressors & ducts integration

Submission Number: 178371

Design, Optimization and Flow Analysis for an Aggressive S-Shape Diverter-Less Duct 

The VKI inhouse automatic optimization tools has been employed for the design of a convoluted compressor intake duct. The inlet section coincides with the throat of a representative diverter less supersonic intake. The outlet section is the aerodynamic inlet plane of the engine. The design was carried out for a diffusion ratio of 1.6 and an offset-to-length ratio as low as 0.6, leading to design candidates generally more aggressive than todays standards. In the first part, the paper describes in detail the adopted geometrical parametrization and the implementation of the imposed constrains: particular attention is given to the definition of the no-line-of-sight constraint and to the formulation of the volumetric boundaries. The optimization process is then detailed. The results of an optimization loop, minimizing momentum losses and flow inhomogeneity, are presented through the typical Pareto front representation. The performance of three optimized individuals is then thoroughly analysed by means of detailed numerical simulations. Flow structures are critically examined at different axial planes to highlight their generation and evolution mechanisms with respect to the geometrical features of the different considered individuals. This work is a preliminary step towards the definition of more general guidelines for the effective design of compressors inlet ducts.

Presenting Author: Stefano Platini Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics

Presenting Author Biography: Stefano is a PhD student at Von Karman Institute, enrolled at Politecnico di Milano in the Laboratory of Fluid Machines research group. He completed both the Bachelor and the Master degrees in Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano following the track of Internal Combustion Engines and Turbomachinery.

Authors:

Stefano Platini Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics
Paolo Gaetani Politecnico di Milano
Fabrizio Fontaneto Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics