Chapter 36: Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

This tutorial includes:

36.1. Tutorial Features
36.2. Overview of the Problem to Solve
36.3. Starting CFX-Pre
36.4. Defining the Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre
36.5. Defining the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre
36.6. Obtaining a Solution to the Steady-state Case
36.7. Obtaining a Solution to the Transient Blade Row Case
36.8. Viewing the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Results in CFD-Post

36.1. Tutorial Features

In this tutorial you will learn about:

Component Feature Details

CFX-Pre User Mode General mode
Analysis Type Transient Blade Row
Fluid Type Air Ideal Gas
Domain Type Multiple Domains
Rotating Frame of
Reference
Turbulence Model k-Epsilon
Heat Transfer Total Energy
Boundary Conditions Inlet (Subsonic)
Outlet (Subsonic)
Wall (Counter Rotat-
ing)
Mesh Motion Periodic Motion
Sliding Mesh
CFD-Post Plots Contour
Isosurface
Vectors
Transient Blade Row
Expansion

36.2. Overview of the Problem to Solve

The goal of this tutorial is to set up a transient blade row simulation using the Fourier Transformation
model as part of blade flutter modeling. An integral step of blade flutter modeling is the calculation of

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 729
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

the aerodynamic damping factor as a function of the possible nodal diameters (radial lines of symmetry
around the circumference) for the component being modeled. When the number of passages in the
component is an integer multiplier of the nodal diameter, the number of blade passages required to
model a given nodal diameter can be substantially reduced by using the rotational periodic boundary
conditions. This eliminates the need to model the full component. By using the Fourier Transformation
model, the number of passages required can be kept to a minimum of two for all nodal diameters.

This tutorial uses an axial compressor to illustrate the basic concepts of setting up, running, and mon-
itoring a transient blade row calculation with blade motion in CFX. The full geometry consists of one
rotor containing 36 blades as seen in Figure 36.1: Single Row Reference Case Containing 36 Blades (p. 730)
below.

Figure 36.1: Single Row Reference Case Containing 36 Blades

For non-zero nodal diameters, there is a finite inter-blade phase angle (IBPA), between neighboring
blades. This phase difference between the blades, is defined as:

where, .

The following table compares the number of passages per component required to model a given nodal
diameter when using periodic boundary conditions or the Fourier Transformation approach:

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
730 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Starting CFX-Pre

Nodal Diameter IBPA Number of Passages per Component

to Model
[deg]
Reference Case Fourier
Transforma-
(Rotational Period- tions
icity)
0 0 1 2
1 10 36 2
2 20 18 2
3 30 12 2
4 40 9 2
5 50 36 2
6 60 6 2
7 70 36 2
8 80 9 2
9 90 4 2

For this tutorial, you will model a nodal diameter (ND) of four using the Fourier transformation approach
with only two passages. The equivalent model using the periodic boundary conditions (reference case)
requires nine passages, that is, a quarter of the original rotor.

The machine is rotating at 1800 [rad s^-1]. The inlet boundary condition is modeled as Total Pressure
and Total Temperature in the stationary frame, with a specified flow direction in the cylindrical compon-
ents. The outlet boundary condition is set to an average static pressure of 138 [kPa], varying in the ra-
dial direction only. The inlet boundary profile is provided in a .csv file.

The blade vibration is modeled as forced periodic motion at a fixed frequency with a specified inter-
blade phase angle. The frequency and displacement profile (mode shape) are obtained from cyclic
symmetry calculations in ANSYS Mechanical using a single blade model, and exported to a .csv file.
For this case the vibration frequency is 1152.13 [Hz], and the maximum displacement for the mode
shape is 0.00129 [m]. In order to use this single blade mode shape for multiple blade flow simulations,
the profile must be replicated around the machine axis. This replicated profile contains a sector number
identifying every copied section from the original profile. This sector number increases following the
right hand rule around the machine axis. The sector number information can be used to determine the
direction of the phase shift; that is, it can be used to determine whether the blade displacement is ini-
tiated on the blade with the higher or lower theta position.

The surface of revolution mesh motion boundary condition is used at the shroud to model the sliding
of the mesh along the surface.

The phase angle multiplier (PAM) has the same magnitude as the Nodal Diameter, but carries a sign
convention. A positive PAM indicates blades with higher theta value are leading the motion lagged by
the other blades with the lower theta position. The hub surface nodes are set as stationary, while the
shroud surface nodes are allowed to follow the blade displacement.

36.3. Starting CFX-Pre

1. Prepare the working directory using the following files in the examples directory:

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 731
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

• R37ATM_60k.gtm

• R37_inlet.csv

• R37_mode1_1p.csv

2. Set the working directory and start CFX-Pre.

36.4. Defining the Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

The following section describes the steady state simulation setup for blade flutter in CFX-Pre. Although,
the effect of mesh motion on a steady state run is minimal, it will provide you with the initial conditions
for the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter case.

If you want to set up the simulation automatically using a tutorial session file, run FourierBlade-
FlutterIni.pre. For details, see Playing a Tutorial Session File (p. 6). Then proceed to Obtaining
a Solution to the Steady-state Case (p. 753).

1. In CFX-Pre, select File > New Case.

2. Select General and click OK.

3. Select File > Save Case As.

4. Set File name to FourierBladeFlutterIni.cfx.

5. Click Save.

36.4.1. Importing the Mesh

1. In the Outline tree right-click Mesh and select Import Mesh > CFX Mesh.

The Import Mesh dialog box appears.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Setting Value
File name R37ATM_60k.gtm

3. Click Open.

This file contains a single passage mesh. The Fourier Transformation method requires two passages
for any IBPA number.

4. Right-click R37ATM_60k.gtm under Outline > Mesh and select Transform Mesh.

5. Under the Mesh Transformation Editor, select Transformation > Turbo Rotation.

6. Configure the following setting(s):

Setting Value
Rotation Option Principal Axis

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
732 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Defining the Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

Setting Value
Axis Z
Passages per Mesh 1
Passages to Model 2
Passages in 360 36

7. Click Apply and close the Mesh Transformation Editor dialog box.

36.4.2. Expanding Profile Data

The profile describing the frequency and blade mode shape for one blade is provided with this tutorial.
As we are modeling more than one blade, this profile must be expanded before it can be initialized
and used for boundary condition specifications.

1. Select Tools > Expand Profile Data.

2. Under Data File to Expand, click Browse .

3. From your working directory, select R37_mode1_1p.csv.

4. Under Write to Profile, enter R37_mode1_36p.csv.

5. Configure the following setting(s):

Section Setting Value

Passage Definition Passages in Profile 1
Passages in 360 36
Rotation Axis Global Z

In addition to the original section, the new profile file with have 35 new sections, one below the
other, without any separators. Each section corresponds to a passage of 36 blades in the rotor. The
node coordinates are rotated accordingly for each passage and displacement vector component.
A new column named Sector Tag is added to the profile file. This column indicated the number of
the sector or passage the node is in.

6. Click OK.

36.4.3. Initializing Profile Data

The inflow and mode1 functions are defined using profiles found in the .csv files provided with this
tutorial. Profile data must be initialized before they can be used for inflow and mode1 functions.

1. Select Tools > Initialize Profile Data.

2. Under Data File, click Browse .

3. From your working directory, select R37_inlet.csv.

4. Click Open.

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 733
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

5. Click Apply.

The inflow profile data is read into memory.

6. Under Data File, click Browse .

7. From your working directory, select R37_mode1_36p.csv.

8. Click Open.

9. Click OK.

36.4.4. Creating the Domain

The fluid domain used for this simulation contains Air as an Ideal Gas. In addition to this, you will also
set mesh motion for the blades.

1. Select Insert > Domain from the main menu.

2. In the Insert Domain dialog box, type R1.

3. Click OK to create the new domain.

4. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Location and Type Entire Rotor
Passage
> Location
Fluids and Particle Air Ideal Gas
Definitions...

> Fluid 1

> Material
Domain Models 0 [Pa]

> Reference Pressure

Domain Models Rotating

> Domain Motion

> Option
Domain Models -1800 [radians
s^-1][1]
> Domain Motion

> Angular Velocity

Domain Models (Selected)

> Domain Motion

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
734 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Defining the Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

Tab Setting Value

> Alternate Rotation
Model
Domain Models Regions of Mo-
tion Specified
> Mesh Deformation

> Option
Domain Models Initial Mesh

> Mesh Deformation

> Displacement Relative

To
Domain Models Displacement
Diffusion
> Mesh Deformation

> Mesh Motion Model

> Option
Domain Models Value

> Mesh Deformation

> Mesh Motion Model

> Mesh Stiffness

> Option
Domain Models 1 [m^2 s^-
1]*(1.0E-6
> Mesh Deformation [m^3] /
Volume of Fi-
> Mesh Motion Model nite
Volumes)^2
> Mesh Stiffness [2][3]

> Mesh Stiffness

Fluid Models Heat Transfer Total Energy

> Option
1. Notice that a negative angular velocity is used because the machine rotates
clockwise with respect to the axis of rotation

2. An expression for the mesh stiffness based on the size of the control
volumes is provided to improve mesh robustness of the mesh morphing
algorithms.

3. Click the Enter Expression icon to specify the CEL expression.

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 735
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

5. Click OK.

36.4.5. Creating the Boundaries

36.4.5.1. Inlet Boundary
1. Create a new boundary named R1 Inlet.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Boundary Type Inlet
Location Entire Rotor IN-
FLOW
Frame Type Stationary
Profile Boundary Condi- (Selected)
tions

> Use Profile Data

Profile Boundary Condi- Inflow
tions

> Profile Boundary

Setup

> Profile Name

3. Click Generate Values.

This causes profile values to be applied at the nodes on the inlet boundary. It also causes entries
to be made in the Boundary Details tab. To later modify the velocity values at the inlet and reset
values to those read from the BC Profile file, revisit the Basic Settings tab for this boundary and
click Generate Values.

4. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Boundary De- Mesh Motion Stationary
tails
> Option
Mass and Momentum Stat. Frame Tot. Press.

> Option
Mass and Momentum Inflow.Total Pres-
sure(r)[1]
> Relative Pressure
Flow Direction Cylindrical Compon-
ents
> Option

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
736 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Defining the Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

Tab Setting Value

Flow Direction Inflow.Velocity Axi-
al(r)[1]
> Axial Component
Flow Direction Inflow.Velocity Radi-
al(r)[1]
> Radial Component
Flow Direction Inflow.Velocity Circum-
ferential(r)[1]
> Theta Component
Turbulence Medium (Intensity =
5%)
> Option
Heat Transfer Stat. Frame Total Temp.

> Option
Heat Transfer Inflow.Total Temperat-
ure(r)[1]
> Stat. Frame Total
Temp.

1. Click the Enter Expression icon to specify the CEL expression.

5. Click OK.

36.4.5.2. Outlet Boundary

1. Create a new boundary named R1 Outlet.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Boundary Type Outlet
Location Entire Rotor
OUTFLOW
Frame Type Stationary
Boundary Details Mesh Motion Stationary

> Option
Mass and Momentum Average Static
Pressure
> Option
Mass and Momentum 138 [kPa]

> Relative Pressure

Mass and Momentum 1

> Pres. Profile Blend

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 737
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

Tab Setting Value

Pressure Averaging Radial Equilibri-
um
> Option
Pressure Averaging Specified Radi-
us
> Radial Reference Pos-
ition

> Option
Pressure Averaging 0.215699 [m]

> Radial Reference Pos-

ition

> Specified Radius

3. Click OK.

36.4.5.3. Wall Boundaries

The hub, shroud and blade of the fluid region all require wall boundaries.

1. Create a new boundary named R1 Hub.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Boundary Type Wall
Location Entire Rotor
HUB
Frame Type Rotating
Boundary Details Mesh Motion Stationary

> Option

3. Click OK.

4. Create a new boundary named R1 Shroud.

5. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Boundary Type Wall
Location Entire Rotor
SHROUD
Frame Type Rotating

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
738 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Defining the Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

Tab Setting Value

Boundary Details Mesh Motion Surface of Re-
volution
> Option
Mesh Motion Coordinate Ax-
is
> Axis Definition

> Option
Mesh Motion Global Z

> Axis Definition

> Rotation Axis

Mass and Momentum (Select)

> Wall Velocity

Mass and Momentum Counter Rotat-
ing Wall
> Wall Velocity

> Option

6. Click OK.

7. Create a new boundary named R1 Blade.

8. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Boundary Type Wall
Location Entire Rotor
BLADE
Frame Type Rotating
Profile Boundary Condi- (Selected)
tions

> Use Profile Data

Profile Boundary Condi- mode1
tions

> Profile Boundary

Setup

> Profile Name

Boundary Details Mesh Motion Stationary

> Option

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 739
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

9. Click OK.

36.4.6. Creating Domain Interfaces

You will now create a pair of fluid-fluid domain interfaces along the tip gap for each blade.

1. Click Insert > Domain Interface and, in the dialog box that appears, set Name to R1 Blade Tip
Gap.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Interface Type Fluid Fluid
Interface Side 1 R1

> Domain (Filter)

Interface Side 1 Rotor SHROUD
TIP GGI SIDE 1
> Region List
Interface Side 2 R1

> Domain (Filter)

Interface Side 2 Rotor SHROUD
TIP GGI SIDE 2
> Region List
Interface Models General Con-
nection
> Option
Mesh Connection Mesh Connection GGI
Method

> Mesh Connection

> Option

3. Click OK.

4. Click Insert > Domain Interface and, in the dialog box that appears, set Name to R1 Blade Tip
Gap 2.

5. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Interface Type Fluid Fluid
Interface Side 1 R1

> Domain (Filter)

Interface Side 1 Rotor SHROUD
TIP GGI SIDE 1
> Region List 2

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
740 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Defining the Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

Tab Setting Value

Interface Side 2 R1

> Domain (Filter)

Interface Side 2 Rotor SHROUD
TIP GGI SIDE 2
> Region List 2
Interface Models General Con-
nection
> Option
Mesh Connection Mesh Connection GGI
Method

> Mesh Connection

> Option

6. Click OK.

7. Click Insert > Domain Interface and, in the dialog box that appears, set Name to R1 to R1 Peri
odic.

8. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Interface Type Fluid Fluid
Interface Side 1 R1

> Domain (Filter)

Interface Side 1 Rotor PER1

> Region List

Interface Side 2 R1

> Domain (Filter)

Interface Side 2 Rotor PER2 2

> Region List

Interface Models Rotational Peri-
odicity
> Option
Interface Models Coordinate Ax-
is
> Axis Definition

> Option
Interface Models Global Z

> Axis Definition

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 741
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

Tab Setting Value

> Rotation Axis
Mesh Connection Mesh Connection GGI
Method

> Mesh Connection

> Option

9. Click OK.

In addition to the two fluid-fluid interfaces, the Fourier Transformation method requires a domain
interface between the two passages. This interface method will be used by the Fourier Transform-
ation method to collect information about the flow. The data will then be transferred back to the
rotational periodic boundaries with the proper time lag.

Note

The periodic and sampling interfaces must use the GGI mesh connection.

10. Click Insert > Domain Interface and, in the dialog box that appears, set Name to R1 Sampling
Interface.

11. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Interface Type Fluid Fluid
Interface Side 1 R1

> Domain (Filter)

Interface Side 1 Rotor PER2

> Region List

Interface Side 2 R1

> Domain (Filter)

Interface Side 2 Rotor PER1 2

> Region List

Interface Models General Con-
nection
> Option
Mesh Connection Mesh Connection GGI
Method

> Mesh Connection

> Option

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
742 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Defining the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

12. Click OK.

Fourier Transformation periodic boundary condition mappings are affected by the mesh motion applied
to the periodic interfaces. You can prevent this by changing the mesh motion options for the Periodic
and Sampling interfaces to stationary.

1. In the outline tree, edit R1 to R1 Periodic Side 1 under Flow Analysis 1 > R1.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Boundary Details Mesh Motion Stationary

> Option

3. Click OK.

4. Repeat step 2 for R1 to R1 Periodic Side 2, R1 Sampling Interface Side 1, and R1

Sampling Interface Side 2.;

36.4.7. Writing the CFX-Solver Input (.def) File

1. Click Write Solver Input File .

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Setting Value
File name FourierBladeFlutterIni.def

3. Click Save.

4. Save the simulation.

36.5. Defining the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

In this second part of the tutorial, you will modify the steady state simulation from the first part of the
tutorial in order to model the transient blade row. The result from the steady state simulation is used
as an initial guess to speed up the convergence for the transient simulation.

If you want to set up the simulation automatically using a tutorial session file, run FourierBlade-
Flutter.pre. For details, see Playing a Tutorial Session File (p. 6). Then proceed to Obtaining a
Solution to the Transient Blade Row Case (p. 754).

36.5.1. Opening the Existing Case

This step involves opening the original simulation and saving it to a different location.

1. If CFX-Pre is not already running, start it.

2. If the original simulation is not already opened, then open FourierBladeFlutterIni.cfx.

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 743
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

3. Save the case as FourierBladeFlutter.cfx in your working directory.

36.5.2. Modifying the Analysis Type

Modify the analysis type as follows:

1. Edit Analysis Type.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Setting Value
Analysis Type Transient Blade Row

> Option

3. Click OK.

36.5.3. Modifying the Domain

Modify the domain as follows:

1. Edit R1, in the Outline tree under Flow Analysis 1.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Passage Definition 2

> Pass. in Component

Passage Definition 36

> Passages in 360

3. Click OK.

36.5.4. Creating Expressions for Frequency and Scaling Factor

Next, you will create expressions defining the Frequency, Maximum Periodic Displacement and Scaling
Factor that will be used in the blade boundary definition.

1. From the main menu, select Insert > Expressions, Functions and Variables > Expression.

2. In the Insert Expression dialog box, type VibrationFrequency.

3. Click OK.

4. Set Definition, to 1152.13 [Hz].

5. Click Apply to create the expression.

You will create an expression defining the maximum periodic displacement.

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
744 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Defining the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

1. Create an expression called MaxPeriodicDisplacement.

2. Set Definition to 0.0015 [m].

3. Click Apply.

You will use the maximum periodic displacement from above to calculate the scaling factor. The scaling
factor is chosen as the maximum amplitude the blade will deform, normalized by the maximum amplitude
of the mode shape provided. The maximum amplitude for the blade is chosen approximately to 2% of
the maximum span of the blade.

1. Create an expression called ScalingFactor.

2. Set Definition to MaxPeriodicDisplacement/0.00129[m].

3. Click Apply.

36.5.5. Modifying the R1 Blade Boundary

1. Edit R1 Blade, in the Outline tree under Flow Analysis 1.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Basic Settings Boundary Type Wall
Location Entire Rotor
BLADE
Frame Type Rotating
Profile Boundary Condi- (Selected)
tions

> Use Profile Data

Profile Boundary Condi- mode1
tions

> Profile Boundary

Setup

> Profile Name

3. Click Generate Values.

This fills up the options under the Boundary Details tab.

4. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Boundary Details Mesh Motion Periodic Displace-
ment
> Option

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 745
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

Tab Setting Value

Mesh Motion Cartesian Com-
ponents
> Periodic Displace-
ment

> Option
Mesh Motion mode1.mesh-
disptot x(Initial
> Periodic Displace- X,Initial Y,Initial
ment Z)
> X Component
Mesh Motion mode1.mesh-
disptot y(Initial
> Periodic Displace- X,Initial Y,Initial
ment Z)

> Y Component
Mesh Motion mode1.mesh-
disptot z(Initial
> Periodic Displace- X,Initial Y,Initial
ment Z)
> Z Component
Mesh Motion VibrationFre-
quency[1]
> Periodic Displace-
ment

> Frequency
Mesh Motion ScalingFactor[1]
> Periodic Displace-
ment

> Scaling
Mesh Motion Phase Angle
Multiplier
> Periodic Displace-
ment

> Phase Angle

> Option
Mesh Motion 4

> Periodic Displace-

ment

> Phase Angle

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
746 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Defining the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

Tab Setting Value

> Phase Angle Multipli-
er
Mesh Motion mode1.Sector
Tag(Initial X,Ini-
> Periodic Displace- tial Y,Initial Z)
ment

> Phase Angle

> Passage Number

1. Click the Enter Expression icon to specify the CEL expression.

5. Click OK.

36.5.6. Setting up a Transient Blade Row Model

In this section, you will set the simulation to be solved using the Fourier Transformation method.

1. Create a new transient blade row object by selecting Insert > Transient Blade Row Models from the
main menu.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Setting Value
Transient Blade Row Model Fourier Transformation

> Option

3. Under Fourier Transformation, click Add new item icon, accept the default name and click OK

4. Configure the following setting(s):

Setting Value
Fourier Transformation 1 Blade Flutter

> Option
Fourier Transformation 1 R1 to R1 Periodic

> Phase Corrected Intf.

Fourier Transformation 1 R1 Sampling Interface

> Sampling Domain Intf.

Fourier Transformation 1 R1 Blade

> Blade Boundary

Transient Details Value

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 747
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

Setting Value
> Time Period

> Option
Transient Details 1/VibrationFrequency[1]
> Time Period

> Period
Transient Details Number of Timesteps per
Period
> Time Steps

> Option
Transient Details 64[2]
> Time Steps

> Timesteps/Period
Transient Details Number of Periods per Run

> Time Duration

> Option
Transient Details 10

> Time Duration

> Periods per Run

1. Click the Enter Expression icon to specify the CEL expression.

2. The number of timesteps is selected to be a multiple of two and the Phase

Angle Multiplier. This guarantees that both blades will go through the same
deformations within the period.

5. Click OK.

36.5.7. Setting Output Control and Creating Monitor Points

In this section you will create monitor points to monitor flow properties, integrated flow quantities, and
mesh displacement. Monitor points provide useful information on the quality of the reference phase
and frequency produced by the simulation. These monitor points should also be used to monitor con-
vergence and patterns during the simulation.

Note

• When comparing your Fourier Transformation plots to those from the reference case, make
sure the monitor points are placed in the same relative locations with respect to the initial
configuration in both cases.

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
748 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Defining the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

• Monitoring pressure and velocity provides feedback on the momentum equations, while
monitoring temperature provides feedback on the energy equations. Monitor points help
check that the solver equations are being solved correctly.

Set up the solver to output transient results file to analyze the imposed mesh motion values. The tran-
sient blade row analysis type offers the Fourier compression method of storing transient periodic data.

1. Click Output Control .

2. Click the Trn Results tab.

3. Configure the following setting(s):

Setting Value
Transient Blade Row Results (Selected)

> Extra Output Variables List

Transient Blade Row Results Total Pressure, Total Temper-
ature, Total Mesh Displace-
> Extra Output Var. List ment, Wall Work Density,
Wall Power Density

4. Click Apply.

5. Click the Monitor tab.

You will set up three types of monitor points for this simulation. Firstly, you will create a set of
monitor points to monitor variables at specific cylindrical coordinates within the domain. Cylindrical
coordinates are useful in turbomachinery applications because they allow you to place monitor
points with the same relative position inside different passages by shifting the theta component
by the equivalent passage pitch. Next, you will create a second set of monitor points to monitor
the values of expressions. Finally, you will create a third set of monitor points to monitor aerody-
namic damping.

6. Select Monitor Objects.

7. Create monitor points by configuring the following settings:

Setting Value
Monitor Objects Create a monitor point named
LE1pass1[1]
> Monitor Points and Expres-
sions
Monitor Objects Cylindrical Coordinates

> Monitor Points and Expres-

sions

> LE1pass1

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 749
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

Setting Value
> Option
Monitor Objects Pressure, Temperature, Total Pressure,
Total Temperature, Velocity, Velocity in
> Monitor Points and Expres-
Stn Frame[2]
sions

> LE1pass1

> Output Variables List

Monitor Objects (0 [m], 0.23 [m], -7.49472 [degree])

> Monitor Points and Expres-

sions

> LE1pass1

> Output Variables List

> Cylindrical Coordinates

1. To create a new item, you must first click the Add new item icon, then enter
the name as required and click OK.

2. Click Multi-select from extended list and hold down the Ctrl key while se-
lecting each of the listed variables.

8. Click Apply.

9. Create additional monitor points with the same output variables. The names and cylindrical coordinates
are listed below:

Name Coordinates
LE1pass2 (0 [m], 0.23 [m], 2.50528 [degree])
LE2pass1 (0 [m], 0.23 [m], -2.49472 [degree])
LE2pass2 (0 [m], 0.23 [m], 7.50528 [degree])
TE1pass1 (0.05 [m], 0.23 [m], -0.011463 [degree])
TE1pass2 (0.05 [m], 0.23 [m], 9.794967 [degree])
TE2pass1 (0.05 [m], 0.23 [m], 4.988537 [degree])
TE2pass2 (0.05 [m], 0.23 [m], 14.794967 [degree])

10. Click Apply after each monitor point.

11. Create additional monitor points with the following expressions:

Name Expression
Force on Blade force()@REGION:Rotor BLADE

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
750 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Defining the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Case in CFX-Pre

Name Expression
Force on Blade 2 force()@REGION:Rotor BLADE 2
Max Displ Blade maxVal(Total Mesh Displacement)@RE-
GION:Rotor BLADE
Max Displ Blade 2 maxVal(Total Mesh Displacement)@RE-
GION:Rotor BLADE 2
Power on Blade areaInt(Wall Power Density)@REGION:Rotor
BLADE
Power on Blade 2 areaInt(Wall Power Density)@REGION:Rotor
BLADE 2
Work on Blade areaInt(Wall Work Density)@REGION:Rotor
BLADE
Work on Blade 2 areaInt(Wall Work Density)@REGION:Rotor
BLADE 2

12. Create aerodynamic damping monitors by configuring the following settings:

Setting Value
Monitor Objects Create an aerodynamic damping object
named Aerodynamic Damping 1.
> Aerodynamic Damping
Monitor Objects Full Period Integration

> Aerodynamic Damping

> Aerodynamic Damping

1

> Option
Monitor Objects Mesh Regions

> Aerodynamic Damping

> Aerodynamic Damping

1

> Location Type

> Option
Monitor Objects Rotor BLADE

> Aerodynamic Damping

> Aerodynamic Damping

1

> Location Type

> Location

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 751
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

Setting Value
Monitor Objects Create an aerodynamic damping object
named Aerodynamic Damping 2.
> Aerodynamic Damping
Monitor Objects Full Period Integration

> Aerodynamic Damping

> Aerodynamic Damping

2

> Option
Monitor Objects Mesh Regions

> Aerodynamic Damping

> Aerodynamic Damping

2

> Location Type

> Option
Monitor Objects Rotor BLADE 2

> Aerodynamic Damping

> Aerodynamic Damping

2

> Location Type

> Location
Monitor Objects Create an aerodynamic damping object
named Aerodynamic Damping 3.
> Aerodynamic Damping
Monitor Objects Moving Integration Interval

> Aerodynamic Damping

> Aerodynamic Damping

3

> Option
Monitor Objects Mesh Regions

> Aerodynamic Damping

> Aerodynamic Damping

3

> Location Type

> Option

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
752 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Obtaining a Solution to the Steady-state Case

Setting Value
Monitor Objects Rotor BLADE

> Aerodynamic Damping

> Aerodynamic Damping

3

> Location Type

> Location

13. Click OK.

36.5.8. Writing the CFX-Solver Input (.def) File

1. Click Write Solver Input File .

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Setting Value
File name FourierBladeFlutter.def

3. Click Save.

36.6. Obtaining a Solution to the Steady-state Case

From the ANSYS CFX launcher, start the CFX-Solver Manager.

1. Select File > Define Run

The Define Run dialog box is displayed.

2. Under Solver Input File, click Browse and select FourierBladeFlutterIni.def.

3. Select Double Precision.

4. Click Start Run.

CFX-Solver runs and attempts to obtain a solution. At the end of the run, a dialog box is displayed
stating that the simulation has ended.

5. Clear Post-Process Results.

6. If using stand-alone mode, ensure that Shut down CFX-Solver Manager is cleared.

7. Click OK.

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 753
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

36.7. Obtaining a Solution to the Transient Blade Row Case

To reduce the simulation time for the blade flutter case, the simulation will be initialized using a steady-
state case.

1. Click File > Define Run.

2. Under Solver Input File, click Browse and select FourierBladeFlutter.def.

3. Under the Initial Values tab, select Initial Values Specification.

4. Under Initial Values Specification > Initial Values, select Initial Values 1.

5. Under Initial Values Specification > Initial Values > Initial Values 1 Settings > File Name, click
Browse .

6. Select FourierBladeFlutterIni_001.res from your working directory.

7. Click Open.

8. Set Initial Values Specification > Use Mesh From, to Solver Input File.

9. Select Double Precision.

10. Click Start Run.

CFX-Solver runs and attempts to obtain a solution. This can take a long time depending on your
system. Eventually a dialog box is displayed.

Note

• Before the simulation begins, the “Transient Blade Row Post-processing Information”
summary in the .out file will display the time step range over which the solver will
accumulate the Fourier coefficients. For details, see Post-processing Information in
the CFX-Solver Manager User's Guide.

• Similarly, a “Fourier Transformation Stability” summary in the .out file as well as the
time step at which the full Fourier Transformation Model is activated.

• Monitor points of similar values can be grouped together by right-clicking to the right
of the User Points tab, selecting New Monitor, and clicking OK. In the New Monitor
dialog box, you can set the name for the new monitor point and select the variables
you want to monitor in the Monitor Properties dialog box.

• The simulation should run until the periodic nature of the monitor points is observed.

You can observe the evolution of the specified expressions. Plot the forces on each blade with respect
to the displacement on the blade as follows:

1. Select Workspace > New Monitor and accept the default name.

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
754 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Viewing the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Results in CFD-Post

2. Under the Plot Lines tab, expand the USER POINT branch and select Work on Blade.

3. Click Apply.

4. Under the Range Settings tab, in the Plot Data By section, select Simulation Time.

This displays a simulation time history of the work on blade 1.

Note that you could repeat the process for blade 2 by replacing the variables Work on Blade
to Work on Blade 2.

Observe the monitors related to aerodynamic damping as follows:

1. Select Workspace > New Monitor and accept the default name.

2. Under the Plot Lines tab, expand the AERODYNAMIC DAMPING branch and select all the damping
coefficients that you made earlier.

3. Click Apply.

Observe the plot lines. The monitor values represent mechanical work done by the blade on the fluid
over the last period of mesh motion. If the monitor values remain positive (after the case has converged),
then the vibration is damped (for the frequency being studied).

When CFX-Solver is finished, continue on to postprocessing:

1. Select Post-Process Results.

2. If using stand-alone mode, select the check box next to Shut down CFX-Solver Manager.

3. Click OK.

36.8. Viewing the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Results in CFD-

Post
A Transient Blade Row analysis calculation creates a number of solution variables in addition to those
added in Setting Output Control and Creating Monitor Points (p. 748). These variables are compressed
using a discrete Fourier Transformation and the corresponding coefficients are stored in the results file.
CFD-Post will expand this transformation for the variable of interest at any desired time value. The time
step selector will show time values that are representative of the values used by the solver. In addition
to the existing time values, additional time values can be added or removed as deemed necessary.

In this section, you will create a few plots to illustrate the use of the time step selector for Transient
Blade Row analysis. You will also create a user defined variable for total wall work, and use the variable
to create a contour and an animation of the blade motion.

To get started, follow these steps:

• When CFD-Post starts, you may see a message regarding Transient Blade Row postprocessing, click OK.

36.8.1. Displaying Total Wall Work on the Blade

1. Select Insert > Variable and set the name to Total Wall Work.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 755
Fourier Transformation Method for a Blade Flutter Case

Name Setting Value

Total Wall Work Method Expression
Scalar (Selected)
Expression Wall Work Density * Area
Calculate Global Range (Selected)

3. Click Apply to create the new variable.

You can review the new Total Wall Work variable on the Variables tab, under the User
Defined branch.

36.8.2. Creating a Contour Plot for Total Wall Work on the Blade
1. Click Insert > Contour and accept the default name.

2. Configure the following setting(s):

Tab Setting Value

Geometry Locations R1 Blade
Variable Total Wall Work
Range Local
# of Contours 21
Render Show Contour Lines (Selected)
Constant Coloring (Selected)
Color Mode Default

3. Click Apply.

The contour plot shows instantaneous values for Total Wall Work.

36.8.3. Creating an Animation for Total Wall Work on the Blade

Using the contour plot created above, you will now create an animation of the Total Wall Work
on the blade for the first phase.

1. Using the Timestep Selector dialog box, ensure the time value of 0 [s] is selected.

2. Under Timestep Sampling select Uniform.

3. Click Apply.

4. Select Tools > Animation or click Animation .

The Animation dialog box appears.

5. Select Keyframe Animation.

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
756 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Viewing the Fourier Transformation Blade Flutter Results in CFD-Post

6. Click New to create KeyframeNo1.

7. Highlight KeyframeNo1, then change # of Frames to 48.

8. Select the time step for the first phase (timestep number 10) using the Timestep Selector dialog box.

9. Click New to create KeyframeNo2.

The # of Frames parameter has no effect for the last keyframe, so leave it at the default value.

10. Select Save Movie.

11. Set Format to MPEG1.

12. Click Browse next to Save Movie to set a path and file name for the movie file.

If the file path is not given, the file will be saved in the directory from which CFD-Post was launched.

13. Click Save.

The movie file name (including path) will be set, but the movie will not be created yet.

14. If frame 1 is not loaded (shown in the F: text box in the middle of the Animation dialog box), click To
Beginning to load it.

Wait for CFD-Post to finish loading the objects for this frame before proceeding.

15. Click Play the animation .

The movie will be created as the animation proceeds. This will be slow, since a time step must be
loaded and objects must be created for each frame. To view the movie file, you need to use a
viewer that supports the MPEG format.

16. When you have finished, close CFD-Post.

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 757
 Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
758 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 loading multiple, 395
Index conjugate heat transfer
example, 291
Symbols contours
2D primitives adding, 30, 58
viewing, 312 adding to surface plot, 30, 58
create
boundary conditions, 297
A fluid domain, 215
Additional Variables
isosurface, 118, 613-614
creating, 275
porous domain, 216
setting, 108
pressure and volume fraction expressions, 160
to model pH - creating, 275
surface plot of y+, 140
airlift reactor example, 331
vectors, 137
animation
creating and modifying streamlines, 98
plot animation, 369
ANSYS Field Solver (Structural) plot, 451
ANSYS Interface Loads (Structural) plot, 452
D
ANSYS Mechanical default
assigning the material to geometry, 440 legend, 25, 53
ANSYS Out File tab, 452 design parameters
automotive catalytic converter tutorial, 209 applying to a diameter, 463
axisymmetric modelling example, 267 applying to a new plane, 465
DesignXplorer
static mixer optimization, 457
B DesignXplorer parameter
boundary conditions
creating a new, 469
for free surface flows, 160
diameter
modifying, 111
making into a design parameter, 463
boundary profile file
domain
creating, 95
creating, 281
buoyancy
example, 143
butterfly valve example, 189
E
examples, 1
2D model, 143
C 2D modeling with 3D mesh, 448
catalytic converter
airlift reactor, 331
automotive, 209
axisymmetric, 267
example, 209
buoyancy, 143
cavity example, 143
butterfly valve, 189
centrifugal compressor, 479
calculating mass fractions, 384, 395
chemical reaction example, 267
catalytic converter, 209
CHT (Conjugate Heat Transfer) example, 291
chemical reaction, 267
circular vent example, 103
CHT, 291
combustion
combustion eddy dissipation model, 375
calculating mass fractions, 384, 395
combustion efficiency, 385
and multicomponent fluids, 271
combustion in a can combustor, 371
eddy dissipation model, 375
combustion models, 386
in a can combustor, 371
compiling a Fortran subroutine, 352
laminar flamelet model, 386
conjugate heat transfer, 291
variable composition mixture, 376
controlling the output of transient results, 260
viewing concentrations, 395
creating a boundary profile file, 95
combustion efficiency, 385
creating a porous domain, 216
combustion models

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 759
Index

creating a profile boundary, 94 using CEL expressions with a moving mesh, 414
creating a subdomain, 283 using DesignXplorer, 457
creating additional variables, 275 valve, 189
creating mesh adaption, 167 vent, 103
creating minimal transient results files, 114 viewing 2D primitives, 312
discrete transfer radiation model, 386 viewing concentrations, 395
exporting 2D stress, 305 wing, 177
Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI), 414 writing transient result files at intervals, 425
Fortran calling names expression
use lower-case for, 354 creating a new, 472
free surface, 157 expression language
gas-liquid flow in an airlift reactor, 331 velocity profile, 197
heat exchanger, 291 expressions
loading multiple combustion models, 395 using with boundary profile, 197
mixing tube, 267 expressions to model the reaction
Monte Carlo thermal radiation model, 355 creating, 281
multicomponent flow, 267 external coupling
multiphase flow, 331 how to choose, 449
P1 radiation model, 375
partitioned cavity, 143 F
radiation, 386 Field Solver (Structural) plot, 451
radiation in a can combustor, 371 fixed support
radiation modeling, 358 defining, 441
radiation models, 386 flow example
radiation P1 model, 375 gas-liquid, 331
radiation properties, 376 multicomponent, 267
setting additional variables, 108 multiphase, 331
setting radiation flux, 358 supersonic, 177
setting radiation intensity, 363 Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI)
setting the transient scheme, 424 small mesh displacements in, 453
solid region, 291 tutorial, 414
spray dryer, 583 fluid subdomain
static mixer, 9 creating, 283
static mixer optimization, 457 fluid-solid interactions, 433
steady state simulation, 267, 291 fluid-solid interface
supersonic flow, 177 defining, 441
thermal radiation control, 393 Fortran calling names
thermal radiation modeling, 358 use lower-case for, 354
transient animation Fortran compiler
creating, 263 determining, 347
transient ANSYS multi-field run, 444 Fortran subroutine
transient mechanical analysis, 440 compiling, 352
transient results free surface
configuring, 150 example, 157
transient results files setting boundary conditions, 160
creating, 363
writing at intervals, 450 G
transient rotor-stator, 258 gas-liquid flow example, 331
transient scheme generating output files, 119
setting solver controls for, 449
transient simulation, 143 H
requires initial values, 424, 448
heat exchanger example, 291

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
760 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
I porous domain
inlet (supersonic), 180 creating, 216
Interface Loads (Structural) plot, 452 power syntax, 142
pressure load
M defining, 442
printing grayscale, 384
mesh adaption
profile boundary
creating, 167
creating, 94
mesh deformation
project
tutorial, 414
creating in Workbench (DesignXplorer), 459
mesh displacements
magnifying, 453
mixer R
static mixer example, 9 radiation
mixing tube example, 267 in a can combustor, 371
model modeling at a window, 358
creating, 71 setting a Monte Carlo thermal model, 355
modelling viewing, 386
Non-Newtonian flow, 232 radiation flux
modelling example setting, 358
2D, 143 radiation intensity
axisymmetric, 267 setting, 363
modify radiation models
streamlines, 98 discrete transfer, 386
moving mesh radiation properties
configuring, 446-447 setting, 376
examples, 414 reaction
using CEL expressions with, 414 defining, 275
multicomponent flow example, 267 run
multiphase in parallel, 131
flow example, 331 monitoring, 262
multiphase mixer example, 307
S
N set
new plane boundary conditions, 356, 378
creating as a design parameter, 465 initial values, 183
Non-Newtonian flow, 232 transient rotor-stator calculation, 258
simulation example
O steady state, 267, 291
transient, 143
obtaining a solution
solid
in parallel, 132
region example, 291
in serial, 131
solvers
outlet (supersonic), 181
coupling two to model interactions, 434
outline plot, 20, 49
spray dryer example, 583
output files
stagger iterations, 449
generating, 119
static
mixer example, 9
P steady state simulation example, 267, 291
P1 radiation model, 375 streamlines
parallel creating and modifying, 98
running, 131 structural deformations
parallel solution example, 262 modeling, 433
pH calculation, 279

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 761
Index

structural properties V
assigning the material to geometry, 440 valve
subdomain example, 189
creating, 283 variables
supersonic flow user vector, 186
example, 177 vent example, 103
surface plot, 140 viewing
inflated elements, 82
T mesh partitions (parallel only), 142
text results, 169
auto-annotation, 119, 368
thermal radiation W
modeling at a window, 358 wall
thermal radiation control boundary conditions, 359, 381
setting, 393 free-slip, 128
transient animation wing example, 177
creating, 263
transient ANSYS multi-field run
executes as time steps, 444
transient mechanical analysis
example, 440
transient result files
writing at intervals, 425
transient results
configuring, 150
transient results files
creating, 363
creating minimal, 114
writing at intervals, 450
transient rotor-stator calculation, 258
transient scheme
setting, 424
setting solver controls for, 449
transient simulation
modifying the domain for, 258
requires initial values, 448
uses Automatic With Value option, 149
transient simulation type
configuring, 146
transient simulations
example, 103, 143
require initial values, 424
tutorial
static mixer in Workbench, 39
tutorial examples, 1
two-dimensional modelling example, 143

U
using
cfx5mkext command, 353
symmetry planes, 135

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
762 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.