Three-dimensional turbulent flow of tip leakage vortex of an axial-flow compressor rotor passage

Three-dimensional turbulent flow of tip leakage vortex of an axial-flow single-stage compressor rotor passage was studied using a 3-D Laser Doppler Velocimetry. The measurement results indicated that the tip leakage vortex produces very near the leading edge, and it becomes strongest at about 30% chord, where presents higher level of turbulence, indicating stronger flow mixing nearby. With the flow downstream, the vortex core moves toward the pressure surface and lower radial location, leading to most flow mixing, blockage and turbulence at the tip, and the radial component of turbulence intensities is found to be the highest. Burst of the leakage vortex happens at about 90% chord, which makes the flow more turbulent in the wider region downstream.