Abstract

Experimental tests on a transonic annular rig are time-consuming and expensive, so it is desirable to use experimental results to validate a computational model which can then be used to extract much more information. The purpose of this work is to create a numerical model that can be used to simulate many different scenarios and then to apply these results to experimental data.; In the modern world, gas turbines are widely used in aircraft propulsion and electricity generation. These applications represent a massive use of energy worldwide, so even a very small increase in efficiency would have a significant beneficial economic and environmental impact. There are many ways to optimize the operation of a gas turbine, but a fundamental approach is to increase the turbine inlet temperature to increase the basic thermodynamic efficiency of the turbine. However, these temperatures are already well above the melting temperature of the components. A primary cooling methodology, called film cooling, creates a blanket of cool air over the surface and is an effective way to help protect these components from the hot mainstream gasses. This paper focuses on the effect of the film holes upstream of the first row of blades in the turbine because this is the section that experiences the highest thermal stresses. Many factors can determine the effectiveness of the film cooling, so a complete understanding can lead to effective results with the minimum flow rate of coolant air. Many studies have been published on the subject of film cooling, but because of the difficulty and expense of simulating turbine realistic conditions, many authors introduce vast simplifications such as low speed conditions or linear cascades. These simplifications do not adequately represent the behavior of a turbine and therefore their results are of limited use. This study attempts to eliminate many of those simplifications. The test rig used in this research is based on the NASA-GE E³ design, which stands for Energy Efficient Engine. It was introduced into the public domain to provide an advanced platform from which open-literature research could be performed.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2011

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Kapat, Jayanta

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Degree Program

Mechanical Engineering

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Engineering and Computer Science;Engineering and Computer Science -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0003772

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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