UC Riverside

Both steady and unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) techniques coupled with the k-ε and k-ω(SST) turbulence models are utilized to study the flow characteristics and hot gas ingestion through rim seal in a subscale 1.5-stage axial gas turbine. A scalar transport equation is solved for a tracer gas to represent the coolant flow interaction with the main stream flow. To validate the numerical methodology, radial pressure and sealing effectiveness distributions are compared with the experimental data. The k-ω(SST) turbulence model has the capability to predict secondary flow characteristics, reattachment and separation, thus leading to better agreement with the experimental data. Both radial and circumferential pressure distributions are analyzed to get deeper insight into rotationally and externally induced ingress mechanisms. The circumferential pressure peak-to-trough amplitude is significantly attenuated in the cavity region compared to annulus region. Finally, different purge flow rates and rotational speeds are examined. Results indicate that as purge flow rate increases, the static pressure in the disk cavity region raises remarkably and consequently the sealing effectiveness improves. Averaged sealing effectiveness in the rim cavity decreases linearly with the rotational speed. To visualize different mechanisms of ingestion, streamline and flow field are shown.