Session: 34-03 Turbulence modeling, CFD models, and assessment

Paper Number: 153144

Numerical Prediction of the Heat Loads on a Turbine Vane Test Case 

The transition from laminar to turbulent boundary layer is a very complex phenomenon afflicting gas turbine airfoils. It can highly jeopardize the airfoil aero thermal performances and hence, its impact should be carefully investigated in order to predict how heat transfer coefficient distribution over a blade surface would be affected.
The present work shows the results of a numerical investigation performed on the VKI LS 89 profile in a linear cascade by means of RANS approaches. Scale resolved LES simulations were also carried out, in order to provide a numerical benchmark and understand the limitations and drawbacks of the turbulence modeling. The numerical results were compared against an experimental database achieved on a 1 vane 2 passages linear cascade test rig, hosting the LS89 profile. Different free stream turbulence conditions at the inlet were considered corresponding to a low (natural) turbulence condition and a high turbulence one, generated by a dedicated grid. In particular attention was put in comparing the outcome achieved from different solvers, so to critically assess their capabilities.
The data shown in the current work represents a useful validation of numerical approaches that can be generally adopted for industrial applications, on the challenging environment of the well known LS89 profile.

Presenting Author: Tommaso Bacci University of Florence

Presenting Author Biography: Researcher at University of Florence working on heat trasnfer problem and combustor-turbine interaction

Authors:

Niccolò Castelli University of Florence
Tommaso Bacci University of Florence
Sabrina Giuntini Baker Hughes
Roberto Pacciani University of Florence
Antonio Andreini University of Florence