A Numerical Test Rig for Turbomachinery Flows Based on Large Eddy Simulations With a High-Order Discontinuous Galerkin Scheme—Part I: Sliding Interfaces and Unsteady Row Interactions

In this first paper of a three-part series, we present the extension and validation of the high-order discontinuous Galerkin scheme in DLR’s CFD-solver trace for scale-resolving simulations of unsteady row interactions. The translational movement of rows in linear cascade experiments is represented in the numerical model by solving the equations in the relative frame of reference. To couple rows in different frames of reference, a sliding interface approach based on the mortar technique for non-conforming meshes has been developed. The verification of the approach is exemplified by three canonical test cases. First, the experimental order of convergence is verified for the isentropic vortex convection. Subsequently, the suitability of the sliding interface approach for scale-resolving simulations is tested on the Taylor–Green vortex flow and a turbulent cylinder flow. Finally, the LES solver is applied to the T106D cascade with upstream moving bars at an exit Reynolds number of 200,000 and exit Mach number of 0.4. The flow physics with and without bars is discussed in terms of the instantaneous flow field, and time- and phase-averaged quantities. The comparison with experimental data shows overall a good agreement, especially for the total pressure losses in the wake, but also reveals uncertainties related to the reproduction of an experiment in the numerical model.