In order to study the influence of tip clearance flow on the performance of a transonic compressor

a high-load transonic fan's rotor with five constant width clearances and two step-clearances were numerically simulated.After analysis of the overall performance parameters and the detailed flow parameters including the static pressure

circumferential velocity and entropy

it is concluded that the front part clearance flow has greater influence on the compressor than the back part clearance flow.In particular

the vortex-shock interference may worsen the front part clearance flow

as demonstrated by comparing the simulation of two step-clearances.