Finite-Element Analysis of Turbulent Flow in Annular Exhaust Diffusers of Gas Turbine Engines

1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. A. Baskharone

A finite-element model of the turbulent flow field in the annular exhaust diffuser of a gas turbine engine is developed. The analysis is based on a modified version of the Petrov-Galerkin weighted residual method, coupled with a highly accurate biquadratic finite element of the Lagrangian type. The elemental weight functions in the finite-element formulation are so defined to ensure upwinding of the convection terms in the flow-governing equations while reverting to the conventional Galerkin’s definition for all other terms. This approach is equivalent to altering the integration algorithm as the convection terms in the element equations are derived, with the exception that the latter technique is tailored for low-order elements of the linear and bilinear types. Numerical results of the current analysis indicate that spurious pressure modes associated with this type of inertia-dominated flow are alleviated while the false numerical diffusion in the finite-element equations is simultaneously minimized. Turbulence of the flow field is modeled using the two-layer algebraic turbulence closure of Baldwin and Lomax, and the eddy viscosity calculations are performed at variably spaced points which are different from those in the finite-element discretization model. This enhances the accuracy in computing the wall shear stress and the inner/outer layer interface location. The computational model is verified using a set of experimental data at design and off-design operation modes of the exhaust diffuser in a commercial gas turbine engine. Assessment of the results in this case is favorable and, as such, provides evidence of the model capability as an accurate predictive tool in the diffuser detailed design phase.

Author(s):  
Jonathan P. Moody ◽  
Michael P. Enright ◽  
Wuwei Liang

High-energy rotating components of gas turbine engines may contain rare material anomalies that can lead to uncontained engine failures. The Federal Aviation Administration and the aircraft engine industry have been developing enhanced life management methods to address the rare but significant threats posed by these anomalies. One of the outcomes of this effort has been a zone-based risk assessment methodology in which component fracture risk is estimated using groupings of elements called zones that are associated with 2D finite element (FE) stress and temperature models. Previous papers have presented processes for creation of zones either manually or via an automatic algorithm in which zones are assigned to each finite element in a component model. These processes may require significant human time and computer time. The focus of this paper is on the optimal allocation of multiple finite elements to zones that minimizes the total number of zones required to compute the fracture risk of a component. An algorithm is described that uses a relatively coarse response surface method to estimate the conditional risk value at each node in a finite element model. Zones are initially defined for each finite element in the model, and the algorithm identifies and merges zones based on minimizing the influence on component risk. The process continues until all of the zones have been merged into a single zone. The zone sequence is applied in reverse order to identify the minimum number of zones that satisfies component target risk or convergence threshold constraints. This solution provides the optimal allocation of finite elements to zones. The algorithm is demonstrated for a representative gas turbine engine component. The approach significantly improves the computational efficiency of the zone-based risk analysis process.


2016 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuradha Nayak Majila ◽  
Rajeev Jain ◽  
Chandru Fernando D. ◽  
S. Ramachandra

<p>Studies the impact response of flat Titanium alloy plate against spherical projectile for damage analysis of aero engine components using experimental and finite element techniques. Compressed gas gun has been used to impart speed to spherical projectile at various impact velocities for damage studies. Crater dimensions (diameter and depth) obtained due to impact have been compared with finite element results using commercially available explicit finite element method code LS-DYNA. Strain hardening, high strain rate and thermal softening effect along with damage parameters have been considered using modified Johnson-Cook material model of LS-DYNA. Metallographic analysis has been performed on the indented specimen. This analysis is useful to study failure analysis of gas turbine engine components subjected to domestic object damage of gas turbine engine. </p><p> </p>


Aero Gas Turbine engines power aircrafts for civil transport application as well as for military fighter jets. Jet pipe casing assembly is one of the critical components of such an Aero Gas Turbine engine. The objective of the casing is to carry out the required aerodynamic performance with a simultaneous structural performance. The Jet pipe casing assembly located in the rear end of the engine would, in case of fighter jet, consist of an After Burner also called as reheater which is used for thrust augmentation to meet the critical additional thrust requirement as demanded by the combat environment in the war field. The combustion volume for the After burner operation together with the aerodynamic conditions in terms of pressure, temperature and optimum air velocity is provided by the Jet pipe casing. While meeting the aerodynamic requirements, the casing is also expected to meet the structural requirements. The casing carries a Convergent-Divergent Nozzle in the downstream side (at the rear end) and in the upstream side the casing is attached with a rear mount ring which is an interface between engine and the airframe. The mechanical design parameters involving Strength reserve factors, Fatigue Life, Natural Frequencies along with buckling strength margins are assessed while the Jet pipe casing delivers the aerodynamic outputs during the engine operation. A three dimensional non linear Finite Element analysis of the Jet pipe casing assembly is carried out, considering the up & down stream aerodynamics together with the mechanical boundary conditions in order to assess the Mechanical design parameters.


Author(s):  
Wasim Tarar ◽  
M.-H. Herman Shen

High cycle fatigue is the most common cause of failure in gas turbine engines. Different design tools have been developed to predict number of cycles to failure for a component subjected to fatigue loads. An energy-based fatigue life prediction framework was previously developed in recent research for prediction of axial and bending fatigue life at various stress ratios. The framework for the prediction of fatigue life via energy analysis was based on a new constitutive law, which states the following: the amount of energy required to fracture a material is constant. A finite element approach for uniaxial and bending fatigue was developed by authors based on this constitutive law. In this study, the energy expressions that construct the new constitutive law are integrated into minimum potential energy formulation to develop a new QUAD-4 finite element for fatigue life prediction. The newly developed QUAD-4 element is further modified to obtain a plate element. The Plate element can be used to model plates subjected to biaxial fatigue including bending loads. The new QUAD-4 element is benchmarked with previously developed uniaxial tension/compression finite element. The comparison of Finite element method (FEM) results to existing experimental fatigue data, verifies the new finite element development for fatigue life prediction. The final output of this finite element analysis is in the form of number of cycles to failure for each element in ascending or descending order. Therefore, the new finite element framework can predict the number of cycles to failure at each location in gas turbine engine structural components. The new finite element provides a very useful tool for fatigue life prediction in gas turbine engine components. The performance of the fatigue finite element is demonstrated by the fatigue life predictions from Al6061-T6 aluminum and Ti-6Al-4V. Results are compared with experimental results and analytical predictions.


Author(s):  
Partha S. Das

Engine rotors are one of the most critical components of a heavy duty industrial gas turbine engine, as it transfers mechanical energy from rotor blades to a generator for the production of electrical energy. In general, these are larger bolted rotors with complex geometries, which make analytical modeling of the rotor to determine its static, transient or dynamic behaviors difficult. For this purpose, powerful numerical analysis approaches, such as, the finite element method, in conjunction with high performance computers are being used to analyze the current rotor systems. The complexity in modeling bolted rotor behavior under various loadings, such as, airfoil, centrifugal and gravity loadings, including engine induced vibration is one of the main challenges of simulating the structural performance of an engine rotor. In addition, the internal structural temperature gradients that can be encountered in the transient state as a result of start-up and shutdown procedures are generally higher than those that occur in the steady-state and hence thermal shock is important factor to be considered relative to ordinary thermal stress. To address these issues, the current paper presents the steady-state & quasi-static analyses (to approximate transient responses) of two full 3-D industrial gas turbine engine rotors, SW501F & GE-7FA rotor, comprising of both compressor & turbine sections together. Full 3-D rotor analysis was carried out, since the 2-D axisymmetric model is inadequate to capture the complex geometries & out of plane behavior of the rotor. Both non-linear steady-state & transient analyses of a full gas turbine engine rotor was performed using the general purpose finite element analysis program ABAQUS. The paper presents in detail the FEA modeling technique, overall behavior of the full rotor under various loadings, as well as, the critical locations in the rotor with respect to its strength and life. The identification of these critical locations is needed to help with the repair of the existing rotors and to improve and extend the operational/service life of these rotors.


1983 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-272
Author(s):  
V. G. Bazhenov ◽  
Yu. I. Trostenyuk ◽  
N. I. Glushchenko ◽  
N. B. Krishevskii ◽  
V. Ya. Krivoshei

Author(s):  
Wasim Tarar ◽  
M.-H. Herman Shen

High cycle fatigue is the major governing failure mode in aerospace structures and gas turbine engines. Different design tools are available to predict number of cycles to failure for a component subjected to fatigue loads. An energy-based fatigue life prediction framework was previously developed in recent research for prediction of axial, bending and torsional fatigue life at various stress ratios. The framework for the prediction of fatigue life via energy analysis was based on a new constitutive law, which states the following: the amount of energy required to fracture a material is constant. A 1-D ROD element for unixial fatigue, a BEAM element for bending fatigue and a QUAD-4 element for biaxial fatigue were developed by authors based on this constitutive law. In this study, the energy expressions that construct the new constitutive law are integrated into minimum potential energy formulation to develop a new HEX-8 BRICK finite element for fatigue life prediction. The newly developed HEX-8 BRICK element has 8 nodes and each node has 3 degrees of freedom (DOF) in x, y and z directions. This element is further modified to add the rotational and bending DOFs for application to real world three dimensional (3D) structures and components. HEX-8 BRICK fatigue finite element has capability to predict the number of cycles to failure for 3-D objects subjected to multiaxial stresses. The new HEX-8 element is benchmarked with previously developed uniaxial tension/compression finite element in order to verify the new development. The comparison of finite element method (FEM) results to existing experimental fatigue data, verifies the new finite element development for fatigue life prediction. The final output of this finite element analysis is in the form of number of cycles to failure for each element in ascending or descending order. Therefore, the new finite element framework can predict the number of cycles to failure at each location in gas turbine engine structural components. The new finite element provides a very useful tool for fatigue life prediction in gas turbine engine components as it provides a complete picture of fatiguing process. The performance of the HEX-8 fatigue finite element is demonstrated by comparison of life prediction results for A16061-T6 to previously developed multiaxial fatigue life prediction approach by the authors. Another set of comparison is made to results for type 304 stainless steel data.


Author(s):  
B. M. Antkowiak ◽  
F. C. Nelson

This paper summarizes the development of a finite element rotordynamic solution used in a closed loop simulation for a magnetic bearing rotor system in a gas turbine engine. A magnetic bearing controlled rotor is analyzed, and the state dynamics matrix [A], the shaft control influence matrix [B], and the sensor matrix [C] are constructed. Bode plots of the state-space transfer function are also constructed and compared to the results of the rotor dynamic model.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document