The Axial-Throughflow Influence on the Taylor Vortices In Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille System

Integrating axial throughflow into the Taylor-Couette systems enhances the complexity of the Taylor-vortices structure, which is a critical configuration positioned between the high-pressure and low-pressure shafts in aeroengines where there exists a rotational speed difference, referred to as Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille (T-C-P) system. The axial throughflow and temperature difference influence the characteristics of cooling airflow’s resistance and heat transfer, and consequently affects the rotor-stator’s axial/radial clearance, much further, hence, affects the performance and efficiency of the aero-engine. To investigate the impact of axial throughflow on the T-C-P system, we conducted direct numerical simulations (DNS) to analyze the axial-throughflow behavior within the T-C-P system. As the magnitude of axial throughflow increases, the initially uniform distribution of Taylor vortices becomes discontinuous and fragmented. With further enhanced throughflow, the entire Taylor vortices are propelled to downstream with an averaging axial velocity. Eventually, the Taylor vortices are expelled and fully disappeared as the axial throughflow becomes sufficiently large, resembling the flow characteristics of a Poiseuille system. The flow field is predominantly influenced by the rotating inner cylinder at the relatively lower magnitude of axial throughflow’s velocity. As the axial Reynolds number surpasses 100, the system transitions to being dominated by the axial throughflow. Therefore, this evolution highlights the profound influence of axial throughflow on the transition of Taylor vortices and lays the groundwork for subsequent research on the flow control and heat transfer in the T-C-P system.