Computational predictions of velocity ratio and ejection angle on purge flow in a linear turbine cascade with upstream disturbance

Abstract

Secondary air bled from the compressor which bypasses the combustion chamber is used to seal the turbine components from incoming hot gas. Interaction of this secondary air or purge flow with the mainstream can alter the flow characteristics of turbine blade passage. An in depth analysis of secondary loss generation by purge flow in the presence of upstream disturbances has huge relevance. The objective of present study is to understand the aerodynamic and thermal effects caused by the purge coolant flow in the presence of an upstream wake. A linear turbine cascade is selected for the computational study and a stationary cylindrical rod which resembles the trailing edge of nozzle guide vane is kept 20 mm before the leading edge to generate the upstream wake (or disturbance). Purge flow disturbances includes strong formation of Kelvin-Helmholtz vortices at trailing edge and additional roll-up vortices at leading edge. Detailed analysis is carried out by varying the velocity ratios as well as the ejection flow angle. Higher velocity ratio and perpendicular coolant ejection reduces the mainstream axial momentum which enhances the passage cross flow. Even though the mass averaged total pressure loss is linearly dependent on the velocity ratio, a reduction in the ejection angle brings down the loss coefficient at the blade exit. A lower ejection angle will improve the film cooling effectiveness also. The presence of purge flow causes an increase in the overturning and underturning.