Numerical calculations on flow and heat transfer in smooth and ribbed two-pass square channels under rotational effects

Abstract

U-shaped channel, which is also called two-pass channel, commonly exists in gas turbine internal coolant passages. Ribbed walls are frequently adopted in internal passage to enhance the heat transfer. Considering the rotational condition of gas turbine blade on operation, the effect of rotation is also investigated for the coolant channel which is close to real operation condition. Thus, the objective of this study is to discuss the effect of rotation on fluid flow and heat transfer performance of U-shaped channel with ribbed walls under high rotational numbers. Investigated Reynolds number is Re = 12500 and the rotation numbers are Ro b = 0.4 and 0.6. In the results, the spatially heat transfer coefficient distributions are exhibited to discuss the effect of rotation and roughened walls. It is found that ribbed walls enhance the heat transfer rate significantly. Under the rotational condition, the Nu in the first pass with outward flow is increased while that in the second pass is decreased. Finally, average Nu ratio, friction ratio, and thermal performance are all presented to discuss the thermal characteristics. © 2014 Zhongyang Shen et al.