Complementary velocity and heat transfer measurements in a rotating cooling passage with smooth walls
An experimental investigation was conducted on the internal flowfield of a simulated smooth-wall turbine blade cooling passage. The square cross-sectioned passage was manufactured from quartz for optical accessibility. Velocity measurements were taken using Particle Image Velocimetry for both heated and non-heated cases. Thin film resistive heaters on all four exterior walls of the passage allowed heat to be added to the coolant flow without obstructing laser access. Under the same conditions, an infrared detector with associated optics collected wall temperature data for use in calculating local Nusselt number. The test section was operated with radial outward flow and at values of Reynolds number and Rotation number typical of a small turbine blade. The density ratio was 0.27. Velocity data for the non-heated case document the evolution of the Coriolis-induced double vortex. The vortex has the effect of disproportionately increasing the leading side boundary layer thickness. Also, the streamwise component of the Coriolis acceleration creates a considerably thinned side wall boundary layer. Additionally, these data reveal a highly unsteady, turbulent flowfield in the cooling passage. Velocity data for the heated case show a strongly distorted streamwise profile indicative of a buoyancy effect on the leading side of the passage. Heat transfer data show a maximum factor of two difference in the Nusselt number from trailing side to leading side. A first-order estimate of this heat transfer disparity based on the measured boundary layer edge velocity yields approximately the same factor of two. A momentum integral model was developed for data interpretation, which accounts for coriolis and buoyancy effects. Calculated streamwise profiles and secondary flows match the experimental data well.
- Research Organization:
- Air Force Inst. of Tech., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20006033
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Turbomachinery, Vol. 121, Issue 4; Conference: 43rd International Gas Turbine and Aeroengine Congress and Exhibition, Stockholm (SE), 06/02/1998--06/05/1998; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1999; ISSN 0889-504X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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