Abstract
The three-dimensional turbulent cascade flows with and without endwall fences are numerically investigated by solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with a high-Reynolds number $k-{\varepsilon}$ turbulence closure model. A projection method based algorithm is used in the finite-volume formulation, with the second order upwind-differencing scheme for the convective terms. First, assessments on accuracy of the present method are made by comparing the static pressure distributions at the mid-span of the cascade with measured data, and also by confirming the experimental observations on the choice of an optimal fence height for the secondary flow control. In understanding the three-dimensional nature of the secondary flow in turbine cascade, the limiting streamline patterns and the static pressure contours at the suction surface of the blade as well as on the cascade endwall are employed to visualize the effectiveness of the endwall fence for the secondary flow control. Analysis on the streamwise vorticity contour maps along the cascade with the three-dimensional representation of their iso-surfaces reveals the strucuture of the complicated vortical flow in the turbine cascade with endwall fence, and also leads to an understanding on formation of the counter-rotating streamwise vortex over the endwall fence, in explaining the mechanisms of controlling the secondary flow and also for the proper selection of an optimal fence height.
