Novel Optimization Design Methods of Highly Loaded Compressor Cascades Considering Endwall Effect

The endwall effect has a great impact on the aerodynamic performance of compressor blades. Based on three conventional near-endwall blade modeling methods of bowed blade, endbend blade and leading-edge strake blade (LESB), two combined optimization design methods of highly loaded blades have been developed considering the endwall effect in the current study, i.e., the bowed blade combined with the LESB (bowed LESB blade) and the endbend blade combined with the LESB (endbend LESB blade). Optimization designs were conducted for a compressor cascade with low solidity by using the two combined modeling methods and the three conventional modeling methods, and the optimization results were compared and analyzed in detail. The results showed that the five optimization modelling methods could all improve the performance for the original cascade, and the optimized cascade with the bowed LESB modeling method has the best aerodynamic performance. The total pressure loss of the optimal bowed LESB cascade was only 40.3% of that in the original cascade while reducing the solidity of the original cascade from 1.53 to 1.25 and keeping the static pressure rise and diffusion factor at the same level as the original one. Among the optimal cascades, the radial migration height of the low-energy fluid and the corresponding vortex have great effects on the aerodynamic performance, and the optimal bowed LESB cascade is superior to the other optimal cascades in this aspect.