Numerical investigation about backflow of film cooling in static turbine blade leading edge

Abstract

In this article, film cooling characteristics, especially the phenomenon of backflow for the straight turbine blade leading edge, are investigated. Shear stress transport k-ω turbulence model and structured grids are employed to assure the accuracy of the simulation, and the computational method is verified by the available experimental data. The influences of blow ratio, hole diameter, and the spacing between holes in each row are analyzed. The formation mechanism of backflow is discussed to prevent it from happening or relieve the degree of backflow, thereby to improve the cooling efficiency. The results showed that backflow can be avoided by adjusting the structure and the layout of film cooling holes. With increase in blow ratio, the cooling film becomes more obvious at first and then fades gradually for departing from the blade surface. The jet flow is influenced by the total pressure ratio between coolant cavity and surface of blade leading edge. Smaller film hole diameter and larger hole spacing makes it easier to eject coolant and form continuous film by slowing down the pressure in the cavity. Increasing ratio of hole spacing to hole diameter ( p / d ) can effectively prevent backflow, whereas larger p / d also makes the film coverage area smaller.