Numerical Modelling Techniques for Turbine Blade Internal Cooling Passages

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Dhopade ◽  
Luigi Capone ◽  
Matthew McGilvray ◽  
David Gillespie ◽  
Peter Ireland
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Numerical Modelling ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Mesh Generation ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Internal Cooling ◽  
Modelling Techniques

Numerical modelling of internal cooling passages in gas turbine blades is a challenging task due to their physical characteristics, such as rounded duct corners, the presence of rib turbulators and their staggered locations between surfaces. This results in complex fluid dynamic phenomenon such as counter-rotating vortices and other secondary flow structures that can drive the heat transfer. Heat transfer mechanisms in such passages are inherently coupled with momentum transport and diffusion. Current industry practices for numerical modelling of such passages use unstructured mesh generation tools, steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations and two-equation turbulence models such as k-ε and k-ω SST. This paper investigates two generic, engine-representative rib geometries using current numerical practices to determine their limitations. Three mesh generation tools and two turbulence models are compared across two rib geometries. The results are qualitatively and quantitatively compared to detailed experimental Nusselt numbers on the passage walls. It was found that as long as the rib geometry results in a secondary flow that directly impinges onto the wall, the meshing tools and turbulence models agree reasonably well with experiments. When the passage includes wall-wrapped ribs resulting in more complex secondary flows, this decreases the validity of the numerical tools, suggesting that more sophisticated modelling techniques are required as rib geometries continue to evolve.

Computation of flow and heat transfer through channels with periodic dimple/protrusion walls using low-Reynolds number turbulence models

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 1178-1207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Fazli ◽  
Mehrdad Raisee
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Correction Term ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Internal Cooling ◽  
Recirculation Bubble ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flow And Heat Transfer ◽  
Numerical Predictions

PurposeThis paper aims to predict turbulent flow and heat transfer through different channels with periodic dimple/protrusion walls. More specifically, the performance of various low-Rek-ε turbulence models in prediction of local heat transfer coefficient is evaluated.Design/methodology/approachThree low-Re numberk-εturbulence models (the zonalk-ε, the lineark-εand the nonlineark-ε) are used. Computations are performed for three geometries, namely, a channel with a single dimpled wall, a channel with double dimpled walls and a channel with a single dimple/protrusion wall. The predictions are obtained using an in house finite volume code.FindingsThe numerical predictions indicate that the nonlineark-εmodel predicts a larger recirculation bubble inside the dimple with stronger impingement and upwash flow than the zonal and lineark-εmodels. The heat transfer results show that the zonalk-εmodel returns weak thermal predictions in all test cases in comparison to other turbulence models. Use of the lineark-εmodel leads to improvement in heat transfer predictions inside the dimples and their back rim. However, the most accurate thermal predictions are obtained via the nonlineark-εmodel. As expected, the replacement of the algebraic length-scale correction term with the differential version improves the heat transfer predictions of both linear and nonlineark-εmodels.Originality/valueThe most reliable turbulence model of the current study (i.e. nonlineark-εmodel) may be used for design and optimization of various thermal systems using dimples for heat transfer enhancement (e.g. heat exchangers and internal cooling system of gas turbine blades).

Heat Transfer Predictions for U-Shaped Coolant Channels With Skewed Ribs and With Smooth Walls

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernhard Bonhoff ◽  
Uwe Tomm ◽  
Bruce V. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Flow Direction ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Reynolds Stress Model ◽  
Internal Cooling ◽  
Smooth Wall ◽  
Wall Model

A computational study was performed for the flow and heat transfer in coolant passages with two legs connected with a U-bend and with dimensionless flow conditions typical of those in the internal cooling passages of turbine blades. The first model had smooth surfaces on all walls. The second model had opposing ribs staggered and angled at 45° to the main flow direction on two walls of the legs, corresponding to the coolant passage surfaces adjacent to the pressure and suction surfaces of a turbine airfoil. For the ribbed model, the ratio of rib height to duct hydraulic diameter equaled 0.1, and the ratio of rib spacing to rib height equaled 10. Comparisons of calculations with previous measurements are made for a Reynolds number of 25,000. With these conditions, the predicted heat transfer is known to be strongly influenced by the turbulence and wall models. The k-e model, the low Reynolds number RNG k-e and the differential Reynolds-stress model (RSM) were used for the smooth wall model calculation. Based on the results with the smooth walls, the calculations for the ribbed walls were performed using the RSM and k-e turbulence models. The high secondary flow induced by the ribs leads to an increased heat transfer in both legs. However, the heat transfer was nearly unchanged between the smooth wall model and the ribbed model within the bend region. The agreement between the predicted segment-averaged and previously-measured Nusselt numbers was good for both cases.

Conjugate Heat Transfer Simulation and Entropy Generation Analysis of Gas Turbine Blades

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaping Ju ◽  
Yi Feng ◽  
Chuhua Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Entropy Generation ◽  
Conjugate Heat Transfer ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Internal Cooling ◽  
Gas Turbine Blades ◽  
Internally Cooled

Abstract Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes model-based conjugate heat transfer method is popularly used in simulations and designs of internally cooled gas turbine blades. One of the important factors influencing its prediction accuracy is the choice of turbulence models for different fluid regions because the blade passage flow and internal cooling have considerably different flow features. However, most studies adopted the same turbulence models in passage flow and internal cooling. Another important issue is the comprehensive evaluation of the losses caused by flow and heat transfer for both fluid and solid regions. In this study, a RANS-based CHT solver for subsonic/transonic flows was developed based on OpenFOAM and validated and used to explore suitable RANS turbulence model combinations for internally cooled gas turbine blades. Entropy generation, able to weigh the losses caused by flow friction and heat transfer, was used in the analyses of two internally cooled vanes to reveal the loss mechanisms. Findings indicate that the combination of the k-? SST-?-Re? transition model for passage flow and the standard k-e model for internal cooling agreed best with measurement data. The relative error of vane dimensionless temperature was less than 3%. The variations of entropy generation with different internal cooling inlet velocities and temperatures indicate that reducing entropy generation was contradictory with enhancing heat transfer performance. This study, providing a reliable computing tool and a comprehensive performance parameter, has an important application value for the design of internally cooled gas turbine blades.

scholarly journals Coriolis and buoyancy effects on heat transfer in viewpoint of field synergy principle and secondary flow intensity for maximization of internal cooling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Mostafa Hosseinalipour ◽  
Hamidreza Shahbazian ◽  
Bengt Sunden
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Rotation Number ◽  
Numerical Results ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Internal Cooling ◽  
Field Synergy ◽  
Field Synergy Principle ◽  
Flow Intensity

AbstractThe present investigation emphases on rotation effects on internal cooling of gas turbine blades both numerically and experimentally. The primary motivation behind this work is to investigate the possibility of heat transfer enhancement by dean vortices generated by Coriolis force and U-bend with developing turbulent in the view point of the field synergy principle and secondary flow intensity analysis. A two-passage internal cooling channel model with a 180° U-turn at the hub section is used in the analysis. The flow is radially outward at the first passage of the square channel and then it will be inward at the second passage. The study covers a Reynolds number (Re) of 10,000, Rotation number (Ro) in the range of 0–0.25, and Density Ratios (DR) at the inlet between 0.1–1.5. The numerical results are compared to experimental data from a rotating facility. Results obtained with the basic RANS SST k-ω model are assessed completely as well. A field synergy principle analysis is consistent with the numerical results too. The results state that the secondary flows due to rotation can considerably improve the synergy between the velocity and temperature gradients up to 20%, which is the most fundamental reason why the rotation can enhance the heat transfer. In addition, the Reynolds number and centrifugal buoyancy variations are found to have no remarkable impact on increasing the synergy angle. Moreover, vortices induced by Rotation number and amplified by Reynolds number increase considerable secondary flow intensity which is exactly in compliance with Nusselt number enhancement.

scholarly journals Heat Transfer Predictions for Rotating U-Shaped Coolant Channels With Skewed Ribs and With Smooth Walls

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernhard Bonhoff ◽  
Uwe Tomm ◽  
Bruce V. Johnson ◽  
Ian Jennions
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Flow Direction ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Local Heat Transfer ◽  
Local Heat ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Internal Cooling ◽  
Flow Conditions

A computational study was performed for the flow and heat transfer in rotating coolant passages with two legs connected with a U-bend. The dimensionless flow conditions and the rotational speed were typical of those in the internal cooling passages of turbine blades. The calculations were performed for two geometries and flow conditions for which experimental heat transfer data were obtained under the NASA HOST project. The first model had smooth surfaces on all walls. The second model had opposing ribs staggered and angled at 45 deg. to the main flow direction on two walls of the legs, corresponding to the coolant passage surfaces adjacent to the pressure and suction surfaces of a turbine airfoil. Results from these calculations were compared with the previous measurements as well as with previous calculations for the nonrotating models at a Reynolds number of 25,000 and a rotation number of 0.24. At these conditions, the predicted heat transfer is known to be strongly influenced by the turbulence and wall models. The differential Reynolds-stress model (RSM) was used for the calculation. Local heat transfer results are presented as well as results averaged over wall segments. The averaged heat transfer predictions were close to the experimental results in the first leg of the channel, while the heat transfer in the second leg was overestimated by RSM. The flow field results showed a large amount of secondary flow in the channels with rotational velocities as large as 90 percent of the mean value. These secondary flows were attributed to the buoyancy effects, the Coriolis forces, the curvature of the bend and the orientation of the skewed ribs. Details of the flow field are discussed. Both the magnitude and the change of the heat transfer were captured well with the calculations for the rotating cases.

RANS Evaluations of Internal Cooling Passage Geometries: Ribbed Passages and a 180 Degree Bend

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Walker ◽  
Jack Zausner
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Experimental Data ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Moment Closure ◽  
Internal Cooling ◽  
Spatially Resolved ◽  
Nusselt Numbers ◽  
New Formulation ◽  
Cooling Passage

A comprehensive study and assessment of RANS based turbulence models is performed on internal cooling duct passages of turbine blades. Conjugate computational heat transfer studies of 90 and 45 degree turbulated ducts are performed and compared to experimental data from the Von Karmon Institute. Spatially resolved Nusselt number distributions are computed using CFX in conjunction with several RANS based turbulence models. In addition, similar computational studies of a 180 degree turnaround bend are performed and compared to experimental data from Arizona State University. In that experiment, area averaged Nusselt numbers are provided at different locations throughout a 180 degree turn around bend. For both analyses, the experimental data sets are carefully chosen as the original authors/experimentalists clearly identified the geometry and boundary conditions such that there was no ambiguity for CFD analysis. For the 90 degree turbulator orientation, it was found that most two equation models largely under predicted heat transfer levels. For the 45 degree turbulator configuration, it was found that a new SST based turbulence formulation, provided by CFX, adequately matched the experimental data. For the 180 degree turnaround bend, Nusselt numbers were well predicted by this new formulation. For all geometries analyzed, resorting to a particular higher moment closure model inside of CFX provided no extra benefit in terms of accuracy.

LES-Based Assessment of Rotation-Sensitized Turbulence Models for Prediction of Heat Transfer in Internal Cooling Channels of Turbine Blades

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Borello ◽  
Franco Rispoli ◽  
Ermanno Properzi ◽  
Alessandro Salvagni
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Heated Surface ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Normal Pressure ◽  
Internal Cooling ◽  
Recirculation Bubble ◽  
Cooling Channels ◽  
Heat Transfer Efficiency

A comprehensive model for the prediction of flows in rotating internal cooling channel application is here presented and assessed. The flow field was modelled by using a rotation-sensitized version of the well known k-ε-ζ-f elliptic relaxation model. Flow field features in selected planes are discussed to show the changes in velocity field due to the rotation. The discussion is focused on the increase of turbulence close to the ribbed (trailing) surface when rotation is present. In this case the increase of the wall normal pressure gradient leads to an early reattachment of the large recirculation bubble downstream from the rib and to an anticipated development of the boundary layer. Furthermore, Coriolis force enhances the secondary motion. Both phenomena increase mixing and are expected to also increase heat transfer efficiency of the heated surface. This is confirmed by the results of the temperature field. Comparisons with the available experimental results confirm the quality of the prediction.

scholarly journals A Review of Numerical Simulations of Secondary Flows in River Bends

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 884
Author(s):  
Rawaa Shaheed ◽  
Abdolmajid Mohammadian ◽  
Xiaohui Yan
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Numerical Simulations ◽  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Main Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
River Bends ◽  
River Cross Section ◽  
River Bend

River bends are one of the common elements in most natural rivers, and secondary flow is one of the most important flow features in the bends. The secondary flow is perpendicular to the main flow and has a helical path moving towards the outer bank at the upper part of the river cross-section, and towards the inner bank at the lower part of the river cross-section. The secondary flow causes a redistribution in the main flow. Accordingly, this redistribution and sediment transport by the secondary flow may lead to the formation of a typical pattern of river bend profile. It is important to study and understand the flow pattern in order to predict the profile and the position of the bend in the river. However, there are a lack of comprehensive reviews on the advances in numerical modeling of bend secondary flow in the literature. Therefore, this study comprehensively reviews the fundamentals of secondary flow, the governing equations and boundary conditions for numerical simulations, and previous numerical studies on river bend flows. Most importantly, it reviews various numerical simulation strategies and performance of various turbulence models in simulating the flow in river bends and concludes that the main problem is finding the appropriate model for each case of turbulent flow. The present review summarizes the recent advances in numerical modeling of secondary flow and points out the key challenges, which can provide useful information for future studies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document