The flow visualization of small-scale aircraft engine axial flow turbine rotor using numerical technique

Abstract

The axial flow turbine is widely used in gas turbines for expansion of hot gases emerging from the combustion chamber. The turbine expands the flow and generates power to drive the compressor and fan. The designing needs to accommodate high speeds and altitudes, as well as reduce losses in order to improve stage efficiency and overall efficiency. Some of the problems are tip leakage flow, high thermal loads on the blades, airfoil erosion, etc. The present paper involves basic flow simulation of a small-scale aircraft engine axial flow turbine rotor (full annulus) using ANSYS CFX at standard atmospheric conditions in order to study as well as predict the unsteady characteristics and in the future, to find a solution to curb the unsteadiness found. This paper will be useful for anyone who wants to get a basic idea of modelling and performing analysis for any turbo machinery component using a numerical technique.