Numerical Simulation of Transonic Fan Flutter With 3D N-S CFD Code

This paper describes the calculation of transonic stall flutter of a fan. A new CFD code has been developed and validated. The code is an unsteady 3D multi-block flow solver. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a finite volume method with Spallart-Allmaras 1 equation turbulence model. A grid deforming system is applied, so the new code is capable of simulating an oscillating blade row. This grid deforming system produces less grid distortion and the code has robustness for a blade oscillating calculation. The code has validated on an IHI’s research transonic fan rig test, and the result was in good agreement with the test data in the prediction of the flutter boundary. In the rig test at part-speed condition, stall-side flutter was experienced. In that condition, the inlet relative Mach number in the tip region is about unity. The aerodynamic work by the CFD at the near flutter condition is positive, which means that the flutter characteristic is unstable, while at other conditions the aerodynamic work is negative. The aerodynamic work increases rapidly just before the zero damping point with the increase of the blade loading. From the detailed CFD result, the shock wave on the suction surface contributes to the excitement of the blade oscillation, and the aerodynamic work of the shock wave has large value at the flutter condition.