Nonuniform flow in a compressor due to asymmetric tip clearance

This paper presents an analytical study of flow redistribution in a compres sor stage due to asymmetric tip clearance distribution. The entire stage is modeled as an actuator disk and it is assumed that upstream and downstream flow fields are determined by the local tip clearance. The flow is assumed to be inviscid and incompressible. First an axisymmetric flow model is use d to connect upstream and downstream flows. Second, a linear perturbation a pproximation is used for nonaxisymmetric analysis in which each flow variab le is assumed to consist of a mean (axisymmetric value) plus a small pertur bation (asymmetric value). Thus, the perturbations in velocity and pressure induced by the tip clearance asymmetry are predicted. Furthermore, rotordy namic effects of such flow non-unformity are examined as well. [S0889-504X( 00)01404-5].