The finite element method applied to flows in turbomachines.

Abstract

The finite element method is applied to The two-dimensional, inviscid, compressible radial equilibrium equation for axial compressors. Isoparametric elements are used along with three-point Gaussian integration for stiffness matrix evaluation. The radial equilibrium equation is put into quasi-harmonic form for stream function formulation and results are presented using an isentropic flow assumption. Axial velocity profiles at rotor and stator blade edges are compared with published performance data of the NASA Task-1 stage transonic compressor and with numerical finite element results of Hirsch and Warzee.