Optimization of the blowing ratio for film cooling on a flat plate

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the result of a numerical investigation of film cooling performance on a flat plate for finding optimum blowing ratios. Design/methodology/approach Steady-state simulations have been performed, and the flow has been considered incompressible. Calculations have been performed with 3D finite-volume method and the k-e turbulence model. Findings The adiabatic film cooling effectiveness and the effects of density ratio (DR), blowing ratio (M) and main stream turbulence intensity (Tu), coolant penetration, hole incline and diameter are studied. The temperature and film cooling effectiveness contours, centerline and laterally film cooling effectiveness are presented for these cases. Results show that the cases with smaller Tu have better effectiveness. In the console, using the air coolant and in cylindrical hole cases, using CO2 coolant fluid has higher effectiveness. The results indicated that there is an optimum blowing ratio in the cylindrical hole cases to optimize the performance of new gas turbines. Research limitations/implications Investigation of optimum blowing ratio for the convex surfaces and turbine blades is a prospective topic for future studies. Practical implications The motivation of this study comes from several industrial applications such as film cooling of gas turbine components. This research gives the best blowing ratio for receiving maximum cooling effectiveness with minimum coolant velocity. Originality/value This study optimizes the blowing ratio for film cooling on a flat plate.