Optimization of Non-Axisymmetric End Wall Contours for the Rotor of a Low Speed, 1 1/2 Stage Research Turbine With Unshrouded Blades

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Bergh ◽  
Glen Snedden ◽  
Christiaan Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Recent Work ◽  
Specific Design ◽  
Established Method ◽  
Linear Cascade ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
End Wall

Non-axisymmetric end wall contouring has become an established method for the reduction of the losses associated with secondary flow. To date, the majority of designs have been produced by the aeroengine manufacturing community and as a result access to specific design and methodological details is often limited [1]. In contrast, whilst the details of non-embargoed work are more freely available, much of this work has been carried out in simplified environments, with the most common of these being 2-dimensional, linear cascades, and therefore do not include a number of features which are present in the flow field of a real turbine [2]. Recent work by Snedden et al [3] involved the introduction of “generic”, non-axisymmetric end wall contours, originally designed for a linear cascade (the so-called Durham cascade), into the rotor row of a low speed, 1 1/2 stage research turbine. While an increase in rotor performance was noted, a detailed inspection of the flow results suggested that even greater improvements could be obtained through the design of custom end walls for the turbine. This investigation therefore covers the design of custom non-axisymmetric end wall contours for the rotor row of an annular turbine rig with unshrouded blades (the same rig as that used by Snedden), using a modified version of an end wall design routine originally developed for the production of non-axisymmetric end walls for a linear cascade environment.

PIV Maps of Tip Leakage and Secondary Flow Fields on a Low-Speed Turbine Blade Cascade With Moving End Wall

2007 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Palafox ◽  
M. L. G. Oldfield ◽  
J. E. LaGraff ◽  
T. V. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Tip Leakage Flow ◽  
Tip Leakage Vortex ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Tip Leakage ◽  
End Wall

New, detailed flow field measurements are presented for a very large low-speed cascade representative of a high-pressure turbine rotor blade with turning of 110deg and blade chord of 1.0m. Data were obtained for tip leakage and passage secondary flow at a Reynolds number of 4.0×105, based on exit velocity and blade axial chord. Tip clearance levels ranged from 0% to 1.68% of blade span (0% to 3% of blade chord). Particle image velocimetry was used to obtain flow field maps of several planes parallel to the tip surface within the tip gap, and adjacent passage flow. Vector maps were also obtained for planes normal to the tip surface in the direction of the tip leakage flow. Secondary flow was measured at planes normal to the blade exit angle at locations upstream and downstream of the trailing edge. The interaction between the tip leakage vortex and passage vortex is clearly defined, revealing the dominant effect of the tip leakage flow on the tip end-wall secondary flow. The relative motion between the casing and the blade tip was simulated using a motor-driven moving belt system. A reduction in the magnitude of the undertip flow near the end wall due to the moving wall is observed and the effect on the tip leakage vortex examined.

scholarly journals Secondary Flow Reduction in a Nozzle Guide Vane Cascade by Non-Axisymmetric End-Wall Profiling

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Yan ◽  
D. G. Gregory-Smith ◽  
P. J. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Static Pressure ◽  
Guide Vane ◽  
Suction Surface ◽  
Linear Cascade ◽  
Pressure Surface ◽  
Nozzle Guide Vane ◽  
Nozzle Guide ◽  
Nozzle Guide Vanes ◽  
End Wall

A linear cascade of HP steam turbine nozzle guide vanes was designed and built in order to study the effect of a non-axisymmetric profile for the endwall. The profile was designed by using CFD for the purpose of reducing the secondary flow. The method was to use convex curvature near the pressure surface to reduce the static pressure and concave curvature near the suction surface to increase it. Thus the cross passage pressure gradient which drives the secondary flow would be reduced. Detailed investigations of the flow field with a flat end-wall and the profiled end-wall were conducted. The effect of the profiled end-wall on the secondary flow development was determined and also compared with the CFD design predictions. It was found that the secondary loss and secondary kinetic energy were both reduced by about 20% with the shaped endwall, and a more uniform exit flow was also achieved.

Improving the Efficiency of the Trent 500 HP Turbine Using Non-Axisymmetric End Walls: Part 1 — Turbine Design

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Brennan ◽  
N. W. Harvey ◽  
M. G. Rose ◽  
N. Fomison ◽  
M. D. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Design System ◽  
Linear Cascade ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Significant Potential ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Turbine Design ◽  
Shrouded Rotor ◽  
End Wall ◽  
Turbine Model

This paper describes the redesign of the HP turbine of the Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engine, making use of non-axisymmetric end walls. The original, datum turbine used conventional axisymmetric end walls, while the vane and (shrouded) rotor aerofoil profiles were nominally the same for the two designs. Previous research on the large scale, low speed linear cascade at Durham University, see Hartland et al [1], had already demonstrated significant potential for reducing turbine secondary losses using non-axisymmetric end walls - by about one third. This paper shows how a methodology was derived from the results of this research and applied to the design of the single stage Trent 500 HP turbine (model rig). In particular the application of a new linear design system for the parametric definition of these end wall shapes, described in Harvey et al [2], is discussed in detail.

Numerical Investigations on Effect of Inflow Parameters on Development of Secondary Flow Field for Linear LP Turbine Cascade

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anand P. Darji ◽  
Beena D. Baloni ◽  
Chetan S. Mistry
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Turbulence Model ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Wall Flow ◽  
End Wall ◽  
Inflow Conditions ◽  
Secondary Flow Field

Abstract End wall flows contribute the most crucial role in loss generation for axial flow turbine and compressor blades. These losses lead to modify the blade loading and overall performance in terms of stable operating range. Present study aimed to determine the end wall flow streams in a low speed low pressure linear turbine cascade vane using numerical approach. The study includes two sections. The first section includes an attempt to understand different secondary flow streams available at end wall. Location of generation of horseshoe vortex streams and subsequent vortex patterns are identified in the section. The selection of suitable turbulence model among SST (Shear Stress Transport) k–ω and SST γ–θ to identify end wall flow streams is studied in prior in the section. The steady state numerical study is performed using Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stoke’s Equations closed by SST γ–θ turbulence model. The computational results are validated with experimental results available in the literature and are found to be in good agreement. The study is extended for different inflow conditions in later section. The second section includes effect of flow incidence and turbulence intensity on the end wall secondary flow field. Inflow incidences considered for the study are −20°, −10°, 0° (design incidence), +10° and +20°. The inlet turbulence intensities are varied by 1% and 10% for each case. The results revealed different secondary flow patterns at an end wall and found the change in behavior with an inflow conditions. SST γ–θ turbulence model with lower turbulence intensity is more suitable to identify such flow behavior.

Some Effects of Non-Axisymmetric End Wall Profiling on Axial Flow Compressor Aerodynamics: Part I—Linear Cascade Investigation

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. W. Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Suction Surface ◽  
Secondary Loss ◽  
End Wall

Non-axisymmetric end wall profiling is now a well established design methodology in axial flow turbines, used principally to improve their aerodynamic efficiency by reducing secondary loss. However, profiled end walls (PEWs) have yet to find an in-service application in a gas turbine compressor. This two-part paper presents the results of a number of studies, both experimental and computational, into the potential aerodynamic benefits of applying PEWs in axial flow compressors. The first paper reports research carried out using a linear compressor stator cascade at Cambridge University. The datum geometry was based on previous research with this cascade. The PEW geometry was generated using a method that had been proven to reduce secondary loss in turbine blade rows. Data was taken on the datum and PEW geometries in the form of exit area traverses and surface static pressure measurements. The experiments demonstrated improvements to the exit flow field in terms of local reductions in the loss and under-turning in the secondary flow region due to the PEW. It was found that the original design method had over estimated the benefits of the PEW. The datum and PEW geometries were further analysed using state-of-the-art CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). The CFD is shown to achieve very good agreement with measurement at the design condition and a reasonable, qualitative match at off-design. It is concluded that the PEW geometry, though not optimum, effected predictable changes to the compressor stator flow field. The mechanisms for these effects are discussed and conclusions are drawn for taking the work forward. In particular, a mechanism is identified whereby the PEW enhances the cross-flow on the end wall and the subsequent radial migration of the secondary flow adjacent to the aerofoil suction surface. The control of corner stall by means of this flow mechanism is highlighted as a possible area for further investigation. This is followed up in the second paper, which presents a computational study of applying PEWs to a multi-stage HP compressor.

PIV Maps of Tip Leakage and Secondary Flow Fields on a Low Speed Turbine Blade Cascade With Moving Endwall

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Palafox ◽  
M. L. G. Oldfield ◽  
J. E. LaGraff ◽  
T. V. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Tip Leakage Flow ◽  
Tip Leakage Vortex ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Tip Leakage

New, detailed flow field measurements are presented for a very large low-speed cascade representative of a high-pressure turbine rotor blade with turning of 110 degrees and blade chord of 1.0 m. Data was obtained for tip leakage and passage secondary flow at a Reynolds number of 4.0 × 105, based on exit velocity and blade axial chord. Tip clearance levels ranged from 0% to 1.68% of blade span (0% to 3% of blade chord). Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was used to obtain flow field maps of several planes parallel to the tip surface within the tip gap, and adjacent passage flow. Vector maps were also obtained for planes normal to the tip surface in the direction of the tip leakage flow. Secondary flow was measured at planes normal to the blade exit angle at locations upstream and downstream of the trailing edge. The interaction between the tip leakage vortex and passage vortex is clearly defined, revealing the dominant effect of the tip leakage flow on the tip endwall secondary flow. The relative motion between the casing and the blade tip was simulated using a motor-driven moving belt system. A reduction in the magnitude of the under-tip flow near the endwall due to the moving wall is observed and the effect on the tip leakage vortex examined.

scholarly journals Nonaxisymmetric Turbine End Wall Design: Part II—Experimental Validation

1999 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 286-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Hartland ◽  
D. G. Gregory-Smith ◽  
N. W. Harvey ◽  
M. G. Rose
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Design System ◽  
Flow Angle ◽  
Linear Cascade ◽  
Pressure Distributions ◽  
Turbine Performance ◽  
Passage Vortex ◽  
Blade Row ◽  
End Wall

The Durham Linear Cascade has been redesigned with the nonaxisymmetric profiled end wall described in the first part of this paper, with the aim of reducing the effects of secondary flow. The design intent was to reduce the passage vortex strength and to produce a more uniform exit flow angle profile in the radial direction with less overturning at the wall. The new end wall has been tested in the linear cascade and a comprehensive set of measurements taken. These include traverses of the flow field at a number of axial planes and surface static pressure distributions on the end wall. Detailed comparisons have been made with the CFD design predictions, and also for the results with a planar end wall. In this way an improved understanding of the effects of end wall profiling has been obtained. The experimental results generally agree with the design predictions, showing a reduction in the strength of the secondary flow at the exit and a more uniform flow angle profile. In a turbine stage these effects would be expected to improve the performance of any downstream blade row. There is also a reduction in the overall loss, which was not given by the CFD design predictions. Areas where there are discrepancies between the CFD calculations and measurement are likely to be due to the turbulence model used. Conclusions for how the three-dimensional linear design system should be used to define end wall geometries for improved turbine performance are presented. [S0889-504X(00)01002-3]

Experimental Investigation of Turbine Leakage Flows on the 3D Flow Field and End Wall Heat Transfer

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-Ju¨rgen Rehder ◽  
Axel Dannhauer
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Mass Flow ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Wall Heat Transfer ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Mass Flow Rates ◽  
End Wall

Within a European research project the tip end wall region of LP turbine guide vanes with leakage ejection was investigated at DLR in Go¨ttingen. For this purpose a new cascade wind tunnel with three large profiles in the test section and a contoured end wall was designed and built up, representing 50% height of a real low pressure turbine (LPT) stator and simulating the casing flow field of shrouded vanes. The effect of tip leakage flow was simulated by blowing air through a small leakage gap in the end wall just upstream of the vane leading edges. Engine relevant turbulence intensities were adjusted by an active turbulence generator mounted in the test section inlet plane. The experiments were performed with tangential and perpendicular leakage ejection and varying leakage mass flow rates up to 2%. Aerodynamic and thermodynamic measurement techniques were employed. Pressure distribution measurements provided information about the end wall and vane surface pressure field and its variation with leakage flow. Additionally streamline pattern (local shear stress directions) on the walls were detected by oil flow visualization. Downstream traverses with 5-hole pyramid type probes allow a survey of the secondary flow behavior in the cascade exit plane. The flow field in the near end wall area downstream of the leakage gap and around the vane leading edges was investigated using a 2D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system. In order to determine end wall heat transfer distributions, the wall temperatures were measured by an infra-red camera system, while heat fluxes at the surfaces were generated with electric operating heating foils. It turned out from the experiments that distinct changes in the secondary flow behavior and end wall heat transfer mainly occur when the leakage mass flow rate is increased from 1% to 2%. Leakage ejection perpendicular to the main flow direction amplifies the secondary flow, in particular the horse-shoe vortex, whereas tangential leakage ejection causes a significant reduction of this vortex system. For high leakage mass flow rates the boundary layer flow at the end wall is strongly affected and seems to be highly turbulent, resulting in entirely different heat transfer distributions.

Secondary Flow Measurements in a Turbine Cascade With High Inlet Turbulence

1992 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Gregory-Smith ◽  
J. G. E. Cleak
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
Shear Stresses ◽  
Reynolds Stresses ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Flow Measurements ◽  
Frequency Spectra ◽  
The Mean ◽  
End Wall

Measurements of the mean and turbulent flow field have been made in a cascade of high turning turbine rotor blades. The inlet turbulence was raised to 5 percent by a grid placed upstream of the cascade, and the secondary flow region was traversed within and downstream of the blades using a five-hole probe and crossed hot wires. Flow very close to the end wall was measured using a single wire placed at several orientations. Some frequency spectra of the turbulence were also obtained. The results show that the mean flow field is not affected greatly by the high inlet turbulence. The Reynolds stresses were found to be very high, particularly in the loss core. Assessment of the contributions to production of turbulence by the Reynolds stresses shows that the normal stresses have significant effects, as do the shear stresses. The calculation of eddy viscosity from two independent shear stresses shows it to be fairly isotropic in the loss core. Within the blade passage, the flow close to the end wall is highly skewed and exhibits generally high turbulence. The frequency spectra show no significant resonant peaks, except for one at very low frequency, attributable to an acoustic resonance.

The Effects of Unsteadiness and Compressibility on the Interaction Between Hub Leakage and Mainstream Flows in High-Pressure Turbines

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Popović ◽  
Howard P. Hodson ◽  
Erik Janke ◽  
Torsten Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Average Flow ◽  
Linear Cascade ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Present Test ◽  
Blade Row ◽  
Time Average ◽  
Unsteady Effects

This paper investigates the effects of compressibility and unsteadiness due to the relative blade row motion and their importance in the interaction between hub leakage (purge) and mainstream flows. First, the challenges associated with the blade redesign for low-speed testing are described. The effects of Mach number are then addressed by analyzing the experiments in the low-speed linear cascade equipped with the secondary airflow system and computations performed on the low- and high-speed blade profiles. These results indicate that the compressibility does not significantly affect the interaction between the leakage and mainstream flows despite a number of compromises made during the design of the low-speed blade. This was due to the fact that the leakage–mainstream interaction takes place upstream of the blade throat where the local Mach numbers are still relatively low. The analysis is then extended to the equivalent full-stage unsteady computations. The periodic unsteadiness resulting from the relative motion of the upstream vanes appreciably affected the way in which the leakage flow is injected and the rotor flow field in general. However, the time-average flow field was still found to be dominated by the rotor blade's potential field. For the present test arrangement, the unsteady effects were not very detrimental and caused less than a 10% increase in the losses due to the leakage injection relative to the steady calculations.

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