Modelling Vortex Generating Jet-Induced Transition in Low-Pressure Turbines

Author(s):  
Florian Herbst ◽  
Andreas Fiala ◽  
Joerg R. Seume

The current design of low-pressure turbines (LPTs) with steady-blowing vortex generating jets (VGJ) uses steady computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The present work aims to support this design approach by proposing a new semi-empirical transition model for injection-induced laminar-turbulent boundary layer transition. It is based on the detection of cross-flow vortices in the boundary layer which cause inflectional cross-flow velocity profiles. The model is implemented in the CFD code TRACE within the framework of the γ-Reθ transition model and is a reformulated, re-calibrated, and extended version of a previously presented model. It is extensively validated by means of VGJ as well as non-VGJ test cases capturing the local transition process in a physically reasonable way. Quantitative aerodynamic design parameters of several VGJ configurations including steady and periodic-unsteady inflow conditions are predicted in good accordance with experimental values. Furthermore, the quantitative prediction of end-wall flows of LPTs is improved by detecting typical secondary flow structures. For the first time, the newly derived model allows the quantitative design and optimization of LPTs with VGJs.

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Herbst ◽  
Andreas Fiala ◽  
Joerg R. Seume

The current design of low-pressure turbines (LPTs) with steady-blowing vortex generating jets (VGJs) uses steady computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The present work aims to support this design approach by proposing a new semiempirical transition model for injection-induced laminar-turbulent boundary layer transition. It is based on the detection of cross-flow vortices in the boundary layer which cause inflectional cross-flow velocity profiles. The model is implemented in the CFD code TRACE within the framework of the γ-Reθ transition model and is a reformulated, recalibrated, and extended version of a previously presented model. It is extensively validated by means of VGJ as well as non-VGJ test cases capturing the local transition process in a physically reasonable way. Quantitative aerodynamic design parameters of several VGJ configurations including steady and periodic-unsteady inflow conditions are predicted in good accordance with experimental values. Furthermore, the quantitative prediction of end-wall flows of LPTs is improved by detecting typical secondary flow structures. For the first time, the newly derived model allows the quantitative design and optimization of LPTs with VGJs.


Author(s):  
Richard D. Sandberg ◽  
Richard Pichler ◽  
Liwei Chen ◽  
Roderick Johnstone ◽  
Vittorio Michelassi

Modern low pressure turbines (LPT) feature high pressure ratios and moderate Mach and Reynolds numbers, increasing the possibility of laminar boundary-layer separation on the blades. Upstream disturbances including background turbulence and incoming wakes have a profound effect on the behavior of separation bubbles and the type/location of laminar-turbulent transition and therefore need to be considered in LPT design. URANS are often found inadequate to resolve the complex wake dynamics and impact of these environmental parameters on the boundary layers and may not drive the design to the best aerodynamic efficiency. LES can partly improve the accuracy, but has difficulties in predicting boundary layer transition and capturing the delay of laminar separation with varying inlet turbulence levels. Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) is able to overcome these limitations but has to date been considered too computationally expensive. Here a novel compressible DNS code is presented and validated, promising to make DNS practical for LPT studies. Also, the sensitivity of wake loss coefficient with respect to freestream turbulence levels below 1% is discussed.


1989 ◽  
Vol 199 ◽  
pp. 403-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Laurien ◽  
L. Kleiser

The laminar-turbulent transition process in a parallel boundary-layer with Blasius profile is simulated by numerical integration of the three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using a spectral method. The model of spatially periodic disturbances developing in time is used. Both the classical Klebanoff-type and the subharmonic type of transition are simulated. Maps of the three-dimensional velocity and vorticity fields and visualizations by integrated fluid markers are obtained. The numerical results are compared with experimental measurements and flow visualizations by other authors. Good qualitative and quantitative agreement is found at corresponding stages of development up to the one-spike stage. After the appearance of two-dimensional Tollmien-Schlichting waves of sufficiently large amplitude an increasing three-dimensionality is observed. In particular, a peak-valley structure of the velocity fluctuations, mean longitudinal vortices and sharp spike-like instantaneous velocity signals are formed. The flow field is dominated by a three-dimensional horseshoe vortex system connected with free high-shear layers. Visualizations by time-lines show the formation of A-structures. Our numerical results connect various observations obtained with different experimental techniques. The initial three-dimensional steps of the transition process are consistent with the linear theory of secondary instability. In the later stages nonlinear interactions of the disturbance modes and the production of higher harmonics are essential.We also study the control of transition by local two-dimensional suction and blowing at the wall. It is shown that transition can be delayed or accelerated by superposing disturbances which are out of phase or in phase with oncoming Tollmien-Schlichting instability waves, respectively. Control is only effective if applied at an early, two-dimensional stage of transition. Mean longitudinal vortices remain even after successful control of the fluctuations.


Author(s):  
Shicheng Liu ◽  
Meng Wang ◽  
Hao Dong ◽  
Tianyu Xia ◽  
Lin Chen ◽  
...  

Roughness element induced hypersonic boundary layer transition on a flat plate is investigated using infrared thermography at Ma = 5 and 6 flow condition. Surface Stanton number is acquired to analyze the effect of roughness element shape and height on the transition process. The correlation between the vortex structure induced by roughness element and the wall heat streaks is established. The results indicate that higher roughness element would induce stronger streamwise heat flux streaks, lead to transition advance in streamwise centerline and increase the width of spanwise wake. Moreover, for low roughness element, the effect of the shape is not obvious, and the height plays a leading role in the transition; for tall roughness element, the effect on accelerating transition for the diamond roughness element is the best, the square is the worst, and the shape plays a leading role in the transition.


1990 ◽  
Vol 112 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. Addison ◽  
H. P. Hodson

Previously published measurements in a low-speed, single-stage, axial-flow turbine have been reanalyzed in the light of more recent understanding. The measurements include time-resolved hot-wire traverses and surface hot film gage measurements at the midspan of the rotor suction surface with three different rotor-stator spacings. Part 1 investigates the suction surface boundary layer transition process, using surface-distance time plots and boundary layer cross sections to demonstrate the unsteady and two-dimensional nature of the process. Part 2 of the paper will describe the results of supporting experiments carried out in a linear cascade together with a simple transition model, which explains the features seen in the turbine.


Author(s):  
Hongyang Li ◽  
Yun Zheng

For the purpose of researching the effect of surface roughness on boundary layer transition and heat transfer of turbine blade, a roughness modification approach for γ-Reθ transition model was proposed based on an in-house CFD code. Taking surface roughness effect into consideration, No. 5411 working condition of Mark II turbine vane was simulated and the results were analyzed in detail. Main conclusions are as follows: Surface roughness has little effect on heat transfer of laminar boundary layer, while has considerable effect on turbulent boundary layer. Compared with smooth surface, equivalent sand roughness of 100μm increases the temperature for about 28.4K on suction side, reaching an increase of 5%. Under low roughness degree, effect of shock wave dominants on boundary layer transition process on suction side, while above the critical degree, effect of surface roughness could abruptly change the transition point.


Author(s):  
H. Pfeil ◽  
R. Herbst ◽  
T. Schröder

The boundary layer transition under instationary afflux conditions as present in the stages of turbomachines is investigated. A model for the transition process is introduced by means of time-space distributions of the turbulent spots during transition and schematic drawings of the instantaneous boundary layer thicknesses. To confirm this model, measurements of the transition with zero and favorable pressure gradient are performed.


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