The Effects of Trailing Edge Thickness on the Losses of Ultrahigh Lift Low Pressure Turbine Blades

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Zhou ◽  
Howard Hodson ◽  
Christoph Himmel
Keyword(s):  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Base Pressure ◽  
Manufacturing Cost ◽  
Surface Boundary ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
Low Pressure Turbine ◽  
Sst Model ◽  
Profile Loss

Experimental, numerical and analytical methods were used to investigate the effects of the blade trailing edge thickness on the profile loss of ultrahigh-lift low-pressure turbine blades. Two cascades, the T106C and the T2, were studied. The loss obtained based on the data at the blade trailing edge plane and the plane 0.3 Chord downstream of the trailing edge agree with each other for T106C blade with and without upstream wakes at different Reynolds numbers. The blade profile losses were broken down as the suction surface boundary loss, the pressure side boundary loss and the mixing loss downstream of the trailing edge for six Reynolds numbers. Trailing edge thicknesses varying from 1.4% to 4.7% pitch were investigated at a Reynolds number of 210,000. It was found that the flow distributions across the passage at the trailing edge planes were highly nonuniform. In particular, and as a result, the trailing edge base pressure was higher than the mixed-out static pressure, so the contribution of the base pressure to the mixing loss downstream of the trailing edge plane was to reduce the loss. When the trailing edge thickness increases, there are three main effects: (1) the area with high base pressure region increases, which tends to reduce the downstream mixing loss; (2) the base pressure reduces, which tends to increase the loss; and (3) the flow diffusion downstream of the trailing edge, which tends to increase the loss. The overall result is the combined effect. For the T106C cascade, increasing the trailing edge thickness from 1.9% pitch to 2.8% pitch has a small effect on the loss. Further increasing the trailing edge thickness increases the loss. The T2 blade has a higher lift than the T106C blade, so the effects of the base pressure in reducing the mixing loss downstream of the trailing edge is more evident. The experimental results show that the profile loss first decreases and then increases as the trailing edge thickness increases. CFD, using the transition k-ω SST model and the k-ω SST model, provides good predictions of the aerodynamic performance. It was used to study the cases with trailing edge thicknesses of 1.4% pitch and 2.9% pitch. The profile loss is almost the same for these two trailing edge thickness. The results show that it is possible to use thicker blade trailing edges in low pressure turbines without aerodynamic penalty. This can lead to benefits in terms of mechanical integrity and manufacturing cost reductions.

The Effects of Trailing Edge Thickness on the Losses of Ultra-High Lift LP Turbine Blades

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Zhou ◽  
Howard Hodson ◽  
Christoph Himmel
Keyword(s):  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Base Pressure ◽  
Manufacturing Cost ◽  
Surface Boundary ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
High Lift ◽  
Sst Model ◽  
Profile Loss

Experimental, numerical and analytical methods were used to investigate the effects of the blade trailing edge thickness on the profile loss of ultra-high lift low pressure turbine blades. Two cascades, the T106C and the T2, were studied. The loss obtained based on the data at the blade trailing edge plane and the plane 0.3 Chord downstream of the trailing edge agree with each other for T106C blade with and without upstream wakes at different Reynolds numbers. The blade profile losses were broken down as the suction surface boundary loss, the pressure side boundary loss and the mixing loss downstream of the trailing edge for six Reynolds numbers. Trailing edge thicknesses varying from 1.4% to 4.7% Pitch were investigated at a Reynolds number of 210000. It was found that the flow distributions across the passage at the trailing edge planes were highly non-uniform. In particular, and as a result, the trailing edge base pressure was higher than the mixed-out static pressure, so the contribution of the base pressure to the mixing loss downstream of the trailing edge plane was to reduce the loss. When the trailing edge thickness increases, there are three main effects: 1) The area with high base pressure region increase, which tends to reduce the downstream mixing loss; 2) The base pressure reduces, which tends to increase the loss; 3) The flow diffusion downstream of the trailing edge, which tends to increase the loss. The overall result is the combined effect. For the T106C cascade, increasing the trailing edge thickness from 1.9% Pitch to 2.8% Pitch has a small effect on the loss. Further increasing the trailing edge thickness increases the loss. The T2 blade has a higher lift than the T106C blade, so the effects of the base pressure in reducing the mixing loss downstream of the trailing edge is more evident. The experimental results show that the profile loss first decreases and then increases as the trailing edge thickness increases. CFD, using the transition k-ω SST model and the k-ω SST model, provides good predictions of the aerodynamic performance. It was used to study the cases with trailing edge thicknesses of 1.4% Pitch and 2.9% Pitch. The profile loss is almost the same for these two trailing edge thickness. The results show that it is possible to use thicker blade trailing edges in low pressure turbines without aerodynamic penalty. This can lead to benefits in terms of mechanical integrity and manufacturing cost reductions.

The Effect of Pulsed Blowing on the Boundary Layer of a Highly Loaded Low Pressure Turbine Blade

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Mack ◽  
Roland Brachmanski ◽  
Reinhard Niehuis
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Mach Number ◽  
Suction Side ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
Low Pressure Turbine ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Highly Loaded

The performance of the low pressure turbine (LPT) can vary appreciably, because this component operates under a wide range of Reynolds numbers. At higher Reynolds numbers, mid and aft loaded profiles have the advantage that transition of suction side boundary layer happens further downstream than at front loaded profiles, resulting in lower profile loss. At lower Reynolds numbers, aft loading of the blade can mean that if a suction side separation exists, it may remain open up to the trailing edge. This is especially the case when blade lift is increased via increased pitch to chord ratio. There is a trend in research towards exploring the effect of coupling boundary layer control with highly loaded turbine blades, in order to maximize performance over the full relevant Reynolds number range. In an earlier work, pulsed blowing with fluidic oscillators was shown to be effective in reducing the extent of the separated flow region and to significantly decrease the profile losses caused by separation over a wide range of Reynolds numbers. These experiments were carried out in the High-Speed Cascade Wind Tunnel of the German Federal Armed Forces University Munich, Germany, which allows to capture the effects of pulsed blowing at engine relevant conditions. The assumed control mechanism was the triggering of boundary layer transition by excitation of the Tollmien-Schlichting waves. The current work aims to gain further insight into the effects of pulsed blowing. It investigates the effect of a highly efficient configuration of pulsed blowing at a frequency of 9.5 kHz on the boundary layer at a Reynolds number of 70000 and exit Mach number of 0.6. The boundary layer profiles were measured at five positions between peak Mach number and the trailing edge with hot wire anemometry and pneumatic probes. Experiments were conducted with and without actuation under steady as well as periodically unsteady inflow conditions. The results show the development of the boundary layer and its interaction with incoming wakes. It is shown that pulsed blowing accelerates transition over the separation bubble and drastically reduces the boundary layer thickness.

Experiments With Three-Dimensional Passive Flow Control Devices on Low-Pressure Turbine Airfoils

2004 ◽  
Vol 128 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas G. Bohl ◽  
Ralph J. Volino
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Flow Control ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
Low Pressure Turbine ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Turbine Airfoils

The effectiveness of three-dimensional passive devices for flow control on low pressure turbine airfoils was investigated experimentally. A row of small cylinders was placed at the pressure minimum on the suction side of a typical airfoil. Cases with Reynolds numbers ranging from 25,000 to 300,000 (based on suction surface length and exit velocity) were considered under low freestream turbulence conditions. Streamwise pressure profiles and velocity profiles near the trailing edge were documented. Without flow control a separation bubble was present, and at the lower Reynolds numbers the bubble did not close. Cylinders with two different heights and a wide range of spanwise spacings were considered. Reattachment moved upstream as the cylinder height was increased or the spacing was decreased. If the spanwise spacing was sufficiently small, the flow at the trailing edge was essentially uniform across the span. The cylinder size and spacing could be optimized to minimize losses at a given Reynolds number, but cylinders optimized for low Reynolds number conditions caused increased losses at high Reynolds numbers. The effectiveness of two-dimensional bars had been studied previously under the same flow conditions. The cylinders were not as effective for maintaining low losses over a range of Reynolds numbers as the bars.

Experimental Study of the Unsteady Aerodynamics in a Linear Cascade With Low Reynolds Number Low Pressure Turbine Blades

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher G. Murawski ◽  
Rolf Sondergaard ◽  
Richard B. Rivir ◽  
Kambiz Vafai ◽  
Terrence W. Simon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Freestream Turbulence ◽  
Suction Surface ◽  
Linear Cascade ◽  
Low Pressure Turbine ◽  
Flow Reynolds Number

Low pressure turbines in aircraft experience large changes in flow Reynolds number as the gas turbine engine operates from takeoff to high altitude cruise. Low pressure turbine blades are also subject to regions of strong acceleration and diffusion. These changes in Reynolds number, strong acceleration, as well as elevated levels of turbulence can result in unsteady separation and transition zones on the surface of the blade. An experimental study was conducted in a two-dimensional linear cascade, focusing on the suction surface of a low pressure turbine blade. The intent was to assess the effects of changes in Reynolds number, and freestream turbulence intensity. Flow Reynolds numbers, based on exit velocity and suction surface length, have been varied from 50,000 to 300,000. The freestream turbulence intensity was varied from 1.1 to 8.1 percent. Separation was observed at all test Reynolds numbers. Increasing the flow Reynolds number, without changing freestream turbulence, resulted in a slightly rearward movement of the onset of separation and shrinkage of the separation zone. Increasing the freestream turbulence intensity, without changing Reynolds number resulted in a shrinkage of the separation region on the suction surface. Increasing both flow Reynolds numbers and freestream turbulence intensity compounded these effects such that at a Reynolds number of 300,000 and a freestream turbulence intensity of 8.1%, the separation zone was almost nonexistent. The influences on the blade’s wake from altering freestream turbulence and Reynolds number are also documented. The width of the wake and velocity defect rise with a decrease in either turbulence level or chord Reynolds number. Numerical simulations were performed in support of experimental results. The numerical results compare well qualitatively with the low freestream turbulence experimental cases.

The Base Pressure and Loss of a Family of Four Turbine Blades

1988 ◽  
Vol 110 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Xu ◽  
J. D. Denton
Keyword(s):  
Dominant Role ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Base Pressure ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
Edge Geometry ◽  
Trailing Edges ◽  
Loss Prediction ◽  
Turbine Cascades ◽  
Profile Loss ◽  
Made In

Measurements of the effect of trailing edge geometry on the base pressure and loss of a family of four turbine cascades are presented. The measurements were made in the transonic range of Mach number from 0.8 to 1.2. It is found that, for blades with typical trailing edge thickness, the trailing edge loss is the major source of profile loss at these speeds and that the base pressure plays a dominant role in determining the loss. For blades with thick trailing edges an accurate prediction of base pressure is crucial to loss prediction. However, it is found that current methods of base pressure prediction are unable to give reliable predictions.

Experiments With Three Dimensional Passive Flow Control Devices on Low-Pressure Turbine Airfoils

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas G. Bohl ◽  
Ralph J. Volino
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Flow Control ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
Low Pressure Turbine ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Turbine Airfoils

The effectiveness of three dimensional passive devices for flow control on low pressure turbine airfoils was investigated experimentally. A row of small cylinders was placed at the pressure minimum on the suction side of a typical airfoil. Cases with Reynolds numbers ranging from 25,000 to 300,000 (based on suction surface length and exit velocity) were considered under low freestream turbulence conditions. Streamwise pressure profiles and velocity profiles near the trailing edge were documented. Without flow control a separation bubble was present, and at the lower Reynolds numbers the bubble did not close. Cylinders with two different heights and a wide range of spanwise spacings were considered. Reattachment moved upstream as the cylinder height was increased or the spacing was decreased. If the spanwise spacing was sufficiently small, the flow at the trailing edge was essentially uniform across the span. The cylinder size and spacing could be optimized to minimize losses at a given Reynolds number, but cylinders optimized for low Reynolds number conditions caused increased losses at high Reynolds numbers. The effectiveness of two-dimensional bars had been studied previously under the same flow conditions. The cylinders were not as effective for maintaining low losses over a range of Reynolds numbers as the bars.

Influence of Mach Number on Profile Loss of Axial-Flow Gas Turbine Blades

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Kibsey ◽  
S. A. Sjolander
Keyword(s):  
Mach Number ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Base Pressure ◽  
Current Profile ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
Complex Behaviour ◽  
Number Range ◽  
Profile Losses ◽  
Mach Numbers ◽  
Profile Loss

The current profile loss prediction methods for axial turbine blades usually predict a monotonic increase in profile losses at outlet Mach numbers above 1.0, while linear cascade testing in the literature has revealed a more complex behaviour. An objective of this investigation was to help clarify the flow features that are most influential on the profile losses in the transonic and supersonic regimes. Four linear cascades of turbine blades were investigated both experimentally and computationally, at design incidence. Measurements were carried out over an outlet Mach number range of roughly 0.5 to 1.4, and a Reynolds number range of about 5 × 105 to 1.4×106. It was found that the profile losses of the four cascades exhibited a loss “plateau”, where the total pressure loss coefficient became approximately constant over a range of outlet Mach numbers spanning the low supersonic range. Cascades of different geometries exhibited different extents of this loss plateau, and a commonly used Mach number correction for profile losses did not capture the behaviour. In the literature, a relationship has been observed between the base pressure and the profile losses. The base pressure was linked to the losses in the trailing edge wake and in the trailing edge shock system. For this reason, base pressure data were obtained from blades instrumented with a static tap at the trailing edge, and also from computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The results provided insight into the role of the base pressure in the profile losses through the transonic regime. It was concluded from this study that an accurate prediction of the base pressure may serve as a basis for a revised Mach number correction to be applied to the profile loss correlation in the transonic and supersonic flow regimes.

Cracks on the Roots of Turbine Blades of the Low-Pressure Turbine in a Steam Power Plant

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Plesiutschnig ◽  
R. Vallant ◽  
G. Stöfan ◽  
C. Sommitsch ◽  
M. Mayr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Steam Power ◽  
Steam Power Plant ◽  
Low Pressure Turbine
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