Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Turbine Vane Frame with Splitters at Different Operating Points

Abstract

A turbine vane frame is a special type of intermediate turbine duct, and is one option to improve the efficiency and reduce the length and weight of an aero-engine. However, due to its geometry, it features a complex flow field, and therefore in-depth aerodynamic investigations are necessary. Especially for aviation, every component needs to function reliably during all operating points. To perform this study at the Institute for Thermal Turbomachinery at the Graz University of Technology, the Subsonic Test Turbine Facility for Aerodynamic, Aeroacoustic and Aeroelastic Investigations was equipped with a turbine vane frame and a low-pressure turbine located downstream. Measurements were taken with aerodynamic five-hole probes for three operating points, and were compared with steady-state and transient simulations as well as analytic solutions for the pressure drop in the TVF. Finally, the most important loss mechanisms are described.

Keywords

• turbomachinery
• aerodynamics
• intermediate turbine duct
• off-design
• CFD