A method for numerical simulation of mode transition process of compression system of variable cycle engine based on throttle valve model

Abstract

In order to study the aerodynamic characteristics of the compression system of a variable-cycle engine during its mode transition, a low-order model was established based on the throttle valve theory to describe the throttle characteristics of the mode selection valve at its different opening degrees. The model was applied to the outlet of a double-bypass variable-cycle fan in the form of characteristic boundary. A 3D low-order hybrid computational model was established for the numerical simulation of flow fields in the mode transition process of the compression system. The calculation accuracy and effectiveness of the throttle valve model were verified by comparing its calculation results with those of the 3D valve model. The simulation method was further applied to the prediction and analysis of the fan performance variation during the single and double bypass mode transitions of the variable-cycle fan. The simulation results show that: the throttle coefficient, which represents the throttle intensity, has something to do only with the flow area ratio of the valve but has nothing to do with its angle. Therefore, the throttle valve model is universal for valves with different motion angles; the throttle valve model can accurately predict the variation trend of the aerodynamic characteristics of the fan in all stages of the mode transition process. Compared with the 3D valve model, the prediction error of the pressure ratio of the fan in all stages is less than 1.93%, and the efficiency error is less than 1.05%. In the valve closing process, the second-stage rotor performance changes more dramatically, and the first-stage rotor performance changes with lag.

Keywords

• variable cycle engine
• mode transition
• throttle model
• numerical simulation