A Comparative Study of Four Algebraic Transition Models

The flow through most turbomachinery blade rows is characterized by unsteady, viscous, transitional flow. The accurate prediction of the onset of transition from laminar to turbulent flow is essential for calculating heat transfer and performance quantities. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the accuracy of four different algebraic transition models which have been combined with an algebraic turbulence model. Numerical experiments have been performed for flow through a turbine rotor cascade with heat transfer, and a cascade of compressor blades. In addition, a study was performed to determine the effects of the computational grid density on the transition location.