Application of Endwall Contouring to Transonic Turbine Cascades: Experimental Measurements at Design Conditions

2012 ◽  
Vol 135 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzad Taremi ◽  
Steen A. Sjolander ◽  
Thomas J. Praisner
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Flow Visualization ◽  
Flow Regime ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Pressure Losses ◽  
Turbine Cascades ◽  
Endwall Contouring ◽  
Surface Flow Visualization

An experimental investigation of the endwall flows in two high-turning turbine cascades was presented by Taremi et al. (2010, “Measurements of Endwall Flows in Transonic Linear Turbine Cascades: Part II—High Flow Turning,” ASME Conf. Proc., GT2010-22760, pp. 1343–1356). Endwall contouring was subsequently implemented in these cascades to control the secondary flows and reduce the total pressure losses. The current paper presents experimental results from these cascades to assess the effectiveness of endwall contouring in the transonic flow regime. The results include blade loadings, total pressure losses, streamwise vorticity and secondary kinetic energy distributions. In addition, surface flow visualization results are presented in order to interpret the endwall limiting streamlines within the blade passages. The flat-endwall and contoured-endwall cascades produce very similar midspan loading distributions and profile losses, but exhibit different secondary flows. The endwall surface flow visualization results indicate weaker interaction between the secondary flows and the blade suction surface boundary layers in the contoured cascades. Overall, the implementation of endwall contouring results in smaller and less intense vortical structures, and the reduction of the associated secondary kinetic energy (SKE) and exit flow angle variations. However, the mass-averaged losses at the main measurement plane, located 40% axial chord lengths downstream of the cascade (1.4CX), do not corroborate the numerically predicted improvements for the contoured cascades. This is in part attributed to slower mixing rates of the secondary flows in the compressible flow regime. The mass-averaged results at 2.0CX, on the other hand, show smaller losses for the contoured configurations associated with smaller SKE dissipation downstream of the cascades. Accordingly, the mixed-out row losses also show improvements for the contoured cascades.

Application of Endwall Contouring to Transonic Turbine Cascades: Experimental Measurements at Design Conditions

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Taremi ◽  
S. A. Sjolander ◽  
T. J. Praisner
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Flow Visualization ◽  
Flow Regime ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Pressure Losses ◽  
Turbine Cascades ◽  
Endwall Contouring

An experimental investigation of the endwall flows in two transonic linear turbine cascades was presented at the 2010 ASME Turbo Expo (GT2010–22760). Endwall contouring was subsequently implemented in these cascades to control the secondary flows, and reduce the total pressure losses. The current paper presents experimental results from these cascades to assess the effectiveness of endwall contouring in the transonic flow regime. The experimental results include blade loadings, total pressure losses, streamwise vorticity and secondary kinetic energy distributions. In addition, surface flow visualization results are presented in order to interpret the endwall limiting streamlines within the blade passages. The flat-endwall and contoured-endwall cascades produce very similar midspan loading distributions and profile losses, but exhibit different secondary flows. The endwall surface flow visualization results indicate weaker interaction between the secondary flows and the blade suction surface boundary layers in the contoured cascades. Overall, the implementation of endwall contouring results in smaller and less intense vortical structures, and the reduction of the associated secondary kinetic energy (SKE) and exit flow angle variations. However, the mass-averaged losses at the main measurement plane, located 40% axial chord lengths downstream of the cascade (1.4CX), do not corroborate the numerically predicted improvements for the contoured cascades. This is in part attributed to slower mixing rates of the secondary flows in the compressible flow regime. The mass-averaged results at 2.0CX, on the other hand, show smaller losses for the contoured cascades associated with smaller SKE dissipation downstream of the cascades. Accordingly, the mixed-out row losses also show improvements for the contoured cascades.

Measurements of Endwall Flows in Transonic Linear Turbine Cascades: Part II—High Flow Turning

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Taremi ◽  
S. A. Sjolander ◽  
T. J. Praisner
Keyword(s):  
Mach Number ◽  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Flow Visualization ◽  
Flow Separation ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Streamwise Vorticity ◽  
Vortical Structures ◽  
Turbine Cascades ◽  
Mach Numbers ◽  
Surface Flow Visualization

An experimental investigation of two low-turning (90°) transonic linear turbine cascades was presented in Part I of the paper. Part II examines two high-turning (112°) turbine cascades. The experimental results include total pressure losses, streamwise vorticity and secondary kinetic energy distributions. The measurements were made using a seven-hole pressure probe downstream of the cascades. In addition to the measurements, surface flow visualization was conducted to assist in the interpretation of the flow physics. The turbine cascades in Part II, referred to as SL1F and SL2F, have the same inlet and outlet design flow angles, but different aerodynamic loading levels: SL2F is more highly loaded than SL1F. The surface flow visualization results show evidence of small flow separation on the suction side of both airfoils. At the design conditions (outlet Mach number ≈ 0.8), SL2F exhibits stronger vortical structures and larger secondary velocities than SL1F. The two cascades, however, produce similar row losses based on the measurements at 40% axial chord lengths downstream of the trailing edge. Additional data were collected at off-design outlet Mach numbers of 0.65 and 0.91. As the Mach number is raised, the cascades become more aft-loaded. The absolute blade loadings increase, but the Zweifel coefficients decrease due to higher outlet dynamic pressures. Both profile and secondary losses decrease at higher Mach numbers; the main vortical structures and the corresponding peak losses migrate towards the endwall, and there are reductions in secondary kinetic energy and exit flow angle variations. The streamwise vorticity distributions show smaller peak vorticities associated with the passage and the counter vortices at higher exit Mach numbers. The corner vortex, on the other hand, becomes more intensified, resulting in reduction of flow overturning near the endwall. The results for SL1F and SL2F are compared and contrasted with the results for the lower turning cascades presented in Part I. The possible effects of suction-surface flow separation on profile and secondary losses are discussed in this context. The current research project is part of a larger study concerning the effects of endwall contouring on secondary losses, which will be presented in the near future.

Measurements of Secondary Losses in a Turbine Cascade With the Implementation of Nonaxisymmetric Endwall Contouring

2009 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. Knezevici ◽  
S. A. Sjolander ◽  
T. J. Praisner ◽  
E. Allen-Bradley ◽  
E. A. Grover
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Suction Surface ◽  
Blade Passage ◽  
Low Pressure Turbine ◽  
Endwall Contouring ◽  
Pressure And Velocity Measurements

An approach to endwall contouring has been developed with the goal of reducing secondary losses in highly loaded axial flow turbines. The present paper describes an experimental assessment of the performance of the contouring approach implemented in a low-speed linear cascade test facility. The study examines the secondary flows of a cascade composed of Pratt & Whitney PAKB airfoils. This airfoil has been used extensively in low-pressure turbine research, and the present work adds intrapassage pressure and velocity measurements to the existing database. The cascade was tested at design incidence and at an inlet Reynolds number of 126,000 based on inlet midspan velocity and axial chord. Quantitative results include seven-hole pneumatic probe pressure measurements downstream of the cascade to assess blade row losses and detailed seven-hole probe measurements within the blade passage to track the progression of flow structures. Qualitative results take the form of oil surface flow visualization on the endwall and blade suction surface. The application of endwall contouring resulted in lower secondary losses and a reduction in secondary kinetic energy associated with pitchwise flow near the endwall and spanwise flow up the suction surface within the blade passage. The mechanism of loss reduction is discussed in regard to the reduction in secondary kinetic energy.

Production and Development of Secondary Flows and Losses in Two Types of Straight Turbine Cascades: Part 1—A Stator Case

1987 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Yamamoto
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Experimental Information ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Accumulation Process ◽  
Flow Angle ◽  
Turning Angle ◽  
Pressure Losses ◽  
Flow Vectors ◽  
Turbine Cascades

The present study intends to give some experimental information on secondary flows and on the associated total pressure losses occurring within turbine cascades. Part 1 of the paper describes the mechanism of production and development of the loss caused by secondary flows in a straight stator cascade with a turning angle of about 65 deg. A full representation of superimposed secondary flow vectors and loss contours is given at fourteen serial traverse planes located throughout the cascade. The presentation shows the mechanism clearly. Distributions of static pressures and of the loss on various planes close to blade surfaces and close to an endwall surface are given to show the loss accumulation process over the surfaces of the cascade passage. Variation of mass-averaged flow angle, velocity and loss through the cascade, and evolution of overall loss from upstream to downstream of the cascade are also given. Part 2 of the paper describes the mechanism in a straight rotor cascade with a turning angle of about 102 deg.

Production and Development of Secondary Flows and Losses Within Two Types of Straight Turbine Cascades: Part 1 — A Stator Case

1986 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Yamamoto
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Flow ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Experimental Information ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Accumulation Process ◽  
Flow Angle ◽  
Turning Angle ◽  
Pressure Losses ◽  
Flow Vectors ◽  
Turbine Cascades

The present study intends to give some experimental information on secondary flows and on the associated total pressure losses occurring within turbine cascades. Part 1 of the paper describes the mechanism of production and development of the loss caused by secondary flows in a straight stator cascade with a turning angle of about 65°. A full representation of superimposed secondary flow vectors and loss contours is given at serial fourteen traverse planes located throughout the cascade, which shows the mechanism clearly. Distributions of static pressures and of the loss on various planes close to blade surfaces and close to an endwall surface are given to show the loss accumulation process over the surfaces of the cascade passage. Variation of mass-averaged flow angle, velocity and loss through the cascade, and evolution of overall loss from upstream to downstream of the cascade are also given. Part 2 of the paper describes the mechanism in a straight rotor cascade with a turning angle of about 102°.

Low-Speed Annular Cascade Tests of an Ultra-Highly Loaded Turbine With Tip Clearance: Part 1 — Near Design Incidence

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Yamamoto ◽  
E. Outa
Keyword(s):  
Flow Visualization ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Turning Angle ◽  
Pressure Losses ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Annular Cascade ◽  
Highly Loaded

Annular cascade tests were carried out to study the performance of an ultra-highly loaded turbine cascade (UHLTC) with a design turning angle of 160 deg. The UHLTC is for applications to future high-temperature gas turbine engines. This paper describes details of the secondary flows and the associated total pressure losses of the UHLTC obtained at a test incidence of −2.7 deg. The cascade flows were measured with a small five-hole Pitot probe located at 21 traverse measurement planes upstream, inside and downstream of the UHLTC. From the measurements, detailed flow structures and the loss evolution process were analyzed. Flow visualization tests were also carried out to see more details of the flows on the blade surfaces, on the endwalls and in the blade tip gap. Various flow separations and various small vortices associated with the passage and leakage vortices, such as corner vortices and edge vortices, separation bubbles, and the associated reverse flows, were seen. These were clarified from various flow lines showing separation, attachment/reattachment and division of each flow. The results obtained from the flow visualization were compared with those from the traverse measurements. Large total pressure losses occur inside the cascade passage as well as downstream of the cascade. Various strong passage vortices, strong leakage vortex, strong swirling flows upstream and downstream of the cascade and their associated various flow separations, are the main causes of the loss generation. The coefficient of total pressure loss generated inside the cascade was 0.28 at the test near-design incidence. The actual turning angle of the flow from the cascade inlet and the cascade outlet was 146 deg. Some schematic drawings of the flow structures in the present UHLTC were also given. The basic flow structures did not differ significantly from those seen in the conventional cascades with much smaller turning angles, except for stronger passage vortices, larger internal loss and larger downstream mixing loss due to the very high turning angle of the UHLTC.

Measurements of Secondary Losses in a Turbine Cascade With the Implementation of Non-Axisymmetric Endwall Contouring

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. Knezevici ◽  
S. A. Sjolander ◽  
T. J. Praisner ◽  
E. Allen-Bradley ◽  
E. A. Grover
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Secondary Flows ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Suction Surface ◽  
Blade Passage ◽  
Low Pressure Turbine ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Endwall Contouring ◽  
Pressure And Velocity Measurements

An approach to endwall contouring has been developed with the goal of reducing secondary losses in highly loaded axial turbo-machinery. The present paper describes an experimental assessment of the performance of the contouring approach implemented in a low speed linear cascade test facility. The study examines the secondary flows of a cascade composed of Pratt and Whitney PAKB airfoils. This airfoil has been used extensively in low pressure turbine research and the present work adds intra-passage pressure and velocity measurements to the existing database. The cascade was tested at design incidence and at an inlet Reynolds number of 126,000 based on inlet midspan velocity and axial chord. Quantitative results include seven hole pneumatic probe pressure measurements downstream of the cascade to assess blade row losses, and detailed seven hole probe measurements within the blade passage to track the progression of flow structures. Qualitative results take the form of oil surface flow visualization on the endwall and blade suction surface. The application of endwall contouring resulted in lower secondary losses and caused a reduction in secondary kinetic energy associated with pitchwise flow near the endwall and spanwise flow up the suction surface within the blade passage. The mechanism of loss reduction is discussed in regards to the reduction of secondary kinetic energy.

Measurements of turbulent crossflow separation created by a curved body of revolution

2007 ◽  
Vol 589 ◽  
pp. 353-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. GREGORY ◽  
P. N. JOUBERT ◽  
M. S. CHONG
Keyword(s):  
Flow Visualization ◽  
Skin Friction ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Separated Flow ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Of Revolution ◽  
Outer Flow ◽  
Friction Measurements ◽  
Surface Flow Visualization

Using the method pioneered by Gurzhienko (1934), the crossflow separation produced by a body of revolution in a steady turn is examined using a stationary deformed body placed in a wind tunnel. The body of revolution was deformed about a radius equal to three times the body's length. Surface pressure and skin-friction measurements revealed regions of separated flow occurring over the rear of the model. Extensive surface flow visualization showed the presence of separated flow bounded by a separation and reattachment line. This region of separated flow began just beyond the midpoint of the length of the body, which was consistent with the skin-friction data. Extensive turbulence measurements were performed at four cross-sections through the wake including two stations located beyond the length of the model. These measurements revealed the location of the off-body vortex, the levels of turbulent kinetic energy within the shear layer producing the off-body vorticity and the large values of 〈uw〉 stress within the wake. Velocity spectra measurements taken at several points in the wake show evidence of the inertial sublayer. Finally, surface flow topologies and outer-flow topologies are suggested based on the results of the surface flow visualization.

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