Seminar: Time-Averaged and Time-Accurate Aerodynamic Effects of Forward Rotor Cavity Purge Flow for a High-Pressure Turbine

Abstract:

The effect of rotor purge flow on the unsteady aerodynamics of a high-pressure turbine stage operating at design corrected conditions has been investigated both experimentally and computationally. The experimental configuration consisted of a single-stage high-pressure turbine with a modern film-cooling configuration on the vane airfoil as well as the inner and outer end-wall surfaces.  Purge flow was introduced into the cavity located between the high-pressure vane and the high-pressure disk. The high-pressure blades and the downstream low-pressure turbine nozzle row were not cooled. All hardware featured an aerodynamic design typical of a commercial high-pressure ratio turbine, and the flow path geometry was representative of the actual engine hardware.  In addition to instrumentation in the main flow path, the stationary and rotating seals of the purge flow cavity were instrumented with high frequency response, flush-mounted pressure transducers and miniature thermocouples to measure flow field parameters above and below the angel wing.  

Bio:

Brian R. Green has been with GE Aviation in Cincinnati, OH for 15 years after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University.   During his time at GE Aviation, he has concentrated largely on unsteady flows and CFD applicable to aerodynamics and aeromechanics for turbomachinery and received his Master’s and Doctorate degree from The Ohio State University and continues to work with the Gas Turbine Laboratory today.  In addition to unsteady flows & CFD, he has worked through several other engineering disciplines with GE including mechanical design and product support.

Hosted by Professor Mike Benzakein