Heat transfer in turbine hub cavities adjacent to the main gas path including FE-CFD coupled thermal analysis

Reliable means of predicting heat transfer in cavities adjacent to the main gas path are increasingly being sought by engineers involved in the design of gas turbines. In this paper an up-dated analysis of the interim results from an extended research programme, MAGPI, sponsored by the EU and several leading gas turbine manufactures and universities, will be presented. Extensive use is made of CFD and FE modelling techniques to understand the thermo-mechanical behaviour and convective heat transfer of a turbine stator well cavity, including the interaction of cooling air supply with the main annulus gas. It is also important to establish the hot running seal clearances for a full understanding of the cooling flow distribution and heat transfer in the cavity. The objective of the study has been to provide a means of optimising the design of such cavities (see Figure 1) for maintaining a safe environment for critical parts, such as disc rims and blade fixings, whilst maximizing the turbine efficiency by means of reducing the fuel burn and emissions penalties associated with the secondary airflow system. The modelling methods employed have been validated against data gathered from a dedicated two-stage turbine rig, running at engine representative conditions. Extensive measurements are available for a range of flow conditions and alternative cooling arrangements. The analysis method has been used to inform a design change which will be tested in a second test phase. Data from this test will also be used to further benchmark the analysis method. Comparisons are provided between the predictions and measurements from the original configuration, turbine stator well component temperature survey, including the use of a coupled analysis technique between FE and CFD solutions.