A 2-D plain strain CFD/FEM model to simulate thermal shocks and stresses in a turbine blade has been set up using the commercially available software FLUENT and NASTRAN. The model was validated against the experimental data of Bohn et. al. and used to simulate real test cases. The steady state numerical model was set up for a single Mark II nozzle guide vane using the correct boundary conditions to resolve the flow field. A combined laminar and turbulent model was developed in FLUENT that was used to highly accurately predict the pressure, temperature and heat transfer coefficient distribution on the blade surface as well as the temperature distribution on the cooling holes inside the blade. The resulting temperature profiles on the blade and cooling holes were used as boundary conditions for the FEM analysis to resolve the internal temperature and stress profiles. The pressure, temperature and heat transfer distribution on the blade, from FLUENT, were compared to those from Bohn et. al. The predicted pressure distribution was exact with the experimental results and the predicted temperature distribution had an average overprediction of 1.4 % on both the pressure and suction side. The internal temperature profile predicted by NASTRAN was correctly predicted with an average over-prediction of 2 %. The stress contours were accurately predicted with the stress magnitude varying by 17 % to that of Bohn et. al. The reason for the difference between the MSC.NASTRAN and Bohn et. al. stress results is believed to be purely solver related. Bohn et al. used a FEM package called MSC.MARClMentat. With the steady state model validated, transient test cases were simulated that represent typical operational data. The mission profile was obtained for the T-56 engine found on the C130 cargo plane. The model was used to simulate the test case where the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) varied with time. The simulation results showed that stress was proportional to TIT, where changes in the TIT were seen later in the stress curve, due to conduction in the blade. Steep TIT changes, such as shock loads affected stress later than gentler TIT changes. Thus, the FLUENT / NASTRAN model was successfully validated, and used to simulate a flight mission profile. The goal to calculate quality unsteady stress profiles was achieved and forms the boundary conditions for thermal fatigue calculations. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

The successful design of a long-lived and efficient gas turbine engine requires a good knowledge of the thermal and aerodynamic performances of the components of the turbine. Of particular importance, is the heat transfer rate from the hot gases to the cooled turbine blades, since this limits the maximum turbine entry temperatures which can be obtained. Much gas turbine research is concentrated on experimental modelling and measurements to assist in the development of improved theoretical prediction techniques. The difficulties of instrumenting fully rotational rigs, which are necessary for a full understanding of the complex three dimensional flow in the turbine, have, however, to a large extent, limited most experimental research to stationary facilities. A technique is described which will allow heat transfer rate measurements to be made on fully rotating test facilities using mutlilayered model turbine blades comprising an electrical insulator on a metal base. An accurate and computationally efficient method for determining the surface heat flux to a multi-layered model turbine blade is developed theoretically, together with a method for calibrating the thermal properties of the multi-layered system. This method allows the existing successful heat flux measurement technique, which utilises electronic analogue circuitry in conjunction with thin film surface thermometers on a model made from a thermal insulator, to be extended for application to multi-layered models. The production of test models by the application of a vitreous enamel (as an electrical insulator), to a mild steel, is identified as the most suitable coating technique for experimental application. Radiant and wind tunnel testing of multi-layered cylindrical models are described, which confirm that the method is both practical and accurate.

Experiments were performed using an Isentropic Light Piston Tunnel, a transient facility which enables conditions representative of those in engines to be attained. The results were interpreted using a superposition model, which is shown to be a valuable and concise method of characterising the effects of injection.