187 Investigation of Boundary Layer Transition Process on Low Pressure Turbine Airfoil by Flow Visualization : The Effect of Freestream Turbulence

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013.48 (0) ◽  
pp. 176-177
Author(s):  
Taku SAITO ◽  
Ken-ichi FUNAZAKI ◽  
Hideo TANIGUCHI ◽  
Hideaki NAKAHORA
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.


2004 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 747-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Vera ◽  
H. P. Hodson ◽  
R. Vazquez

This paper presents the effect of a single spanwise two-dimensional wire upon the downstream position of boundary layer transition under steady and unsteady inflow conditions. The study is carried out on a high turning, high-speed, low pressure turbine (LPT) profile designed to take account of the unsteady flow conditions. The experiments were carried out in a transonic cascade wind tunnel to which a rotating bar system had been added. The range of Reynolds and Mach numbers studied includes realistic LPT engine conditions and extends up to the transonic regime. Losses are measured to quantify the influence of the roughness with and without wake passing. Time resolved measurements such as hot wire boundary layer surveys and surface unsteady pressure are used to explain the state of the boundary layer. The results suggest that the effect of roughness on boundary layer transition is a stability governed phenomena, even at high Mach numbers. The combination of the effect of the roughness elements with the inviscid Kelvin–Helmholtz instability responsible for the rolling up of the separated shear layer (Stieger, R. D., 2002, Ph.D. thesis, Cambridge University) is also examined. Wake traverses using pneumatic probes downstream of the cascade reveal that the use of roughness elements reduces the profile losses up to exit Mach numbers of 0.8. This occurs with both steady and unsteady inflow conditions.


Author(s):  
F. Hammer ◽  
Neil D. Sandham ◽  
Richard D. Sandberg

Large eddy simulations of a linear low-pressure turbine cascade with the T106A profile and different surface roughness patches were carried out. The aim was to investigate the effects on the laminar and turbulent boundary layer on the blade suction surface. Two different approaches were used to represent the roughness patches. Firstly, a forcing model, reducing the computational costs compared to fully resolved roughness surfaces, was incorporated. Secondly, an immersed boundary method representing an as-cast roughness surface was used, for a more detailed analysis of flow mechanisms over roughness. It was found that the roughness model was able to induce boundary layer transition and alter the turbulent boundary layer, with the results in line with findings in the literature. The instantaneous flow data at different time instants of the as-cast roughness case showed the development of streaks due to distinct roughness peaks, resulting in highly uneven transition positions across the spanwise direction.


Author(s):  
M. Vera ◽  
H. P. Hodson ◽  
R. Vazquez

This paper presents the effect of a single spanwise 2D wire upon the downstream position of boundary layer transition under steady and unsteady inflow conditions. The study is carried out on a high turning, high-speed, low pressure turbine (LPT) profile designed to take account of the unsteady flow conditions. The experiments were carried out in a transonic cascade wind tunnel to which a rotating bar system had been added. The range of Reynolds and Mach numbers studied includes realistic LPT engine conditions and extends up to the transonic regime. Losses are measured to quantify the influence of the roughness with and without wake passing. Time resolved measurements such as hot wire boundary layer surveys and surface unsteady pressure are used to explain the state of the boundary layer. The results suggest that the effect of roughness on boundary layer transition is a stability governed phenomena, even at high Mach numbers. The combination of the effect of the roughness elements with the inviscid Kelvin-Helmholtz instability responsible for the rolling up of the separated shear layer (Stieger [1]) is also examined. Wake traverses using pneumatic probes downstream of the cascade reveal that the use of roughness elements reduces the profile losses up to exit Mach numbers of 0.8. This occurs with both steady and unsteady inflow conditions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxime Fiore ◽  
Nicolas Gourdain ◽  
Jean-François Boussuge ◽  
Eric Lippinois

Abstract In gas turbine, multi-stage row blading and technological effects can exhibit significant differences for the flow compared with isolated smooth blade rows. Upstream stages promote a non-uniform flow field at the inlet of the downstream rows that may have large effects on mixing or boundary layer transition processes. The rows of current turbines (and compressors) are already very closely spaced. Axial gaps between adjacent rows of approximately 1/4 to 1/2 of the axial blade chord are common practice. Future designs with higher loading and lower aspect ratios, i.e., fewer and bigger blades, and the ever present aim at minimizing engine length or compactness, will aggravate this condition even further. Interaction between cascade rows will therefore keep increasing and need to be taken into account in loss generation estimation. Also the cavities at hub platform induce purge flow blowing into main annulus and additional losses for the turbine. A robust method to account for the loss generated due to these different phenomena needs to be used. The notion of exergy (energy in the purpose to generate work) provides a general framework to deal with the different transfers of energy between the flow and the gas turbine. This study investigates the flow in a two-stage configuration representative of a low-pressure turbine including hub cavities based on large eddy simulation (LES). A description of the flow in the cavities, the main annulus, and at rim seal interface is proposed. The assessment of loss generated in the configuration is proposed based on an exergy analysis. The study of losses restricted to boundary layer contributions and secondary flows show the interaction processes of secondary vortices and wake generated in upstream rows on the flow in downstream rows.


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.


Author(s):  
J. T. Schmitz ◽  
S. C. Morris ◽  
R. Ma ◽  
T. C. Corke ◽  
J. P. Clark ◽  
...  

The performance and detailed flow physics of a highly loaded, transonic, low-pressure turbine stage has been investigated numerically and experimentally. The mean rotor Zweifel coefficient was 1.35, with dh/U2 = 2.8, and a total pressure ratio of 1.75. The aerodynamic design was based on recent developments in boundary layer transition modeling. Steady and unsteady numerical solutions were used to design the blade geometry as well as to predict the design and off-design performance. Measurements were acquired in a recently developed, high-speed, rotating turbine facility. The nozzle-vane only and full stage characteristics were measured with varied mass flow, Reynolds number, and free-stream turbulence. The efficiency calculated from torque at the design speed and pressure ratio of the turbine was found to be 90.6%. This compared favorably to the mean line target value of 90.5%. This paper will describe the measurements and numerical solutions in detail for both design and off-design conditions.


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.


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