Improving Film Cooling Efficiency with Lobe-Shaped Cooling Holes: An Investigation with Large-Eddy Simulation

Abstract

Shaped cooling holes have received considerable attention in recent years due to their potential to improve heat transfer while minimizing pressure drop. In this study, the effects of lobe-shaped cooling holes on film cooling performance and turbulent flow characteristics are investigated using large-eddy simulation (LES). The LES approach was validated by comparing the calculated film cooling effectiveness with experimental data. The results show that well-designed lobe-shaped cooling holes can improve the cooling efficiency by up to 37% and reduce the total pressure drop. Additionally, the cooling jets of lobe-shaped cooling holes have a smaller angle to the wall surface, indicating better wall attachment. However, poorly designed lobe-shaped cooling holes can reduce the cooling efficiency. Overall, this study suggests that lobe-shaped cooling holes are a promising technology for improving gas turbine engine performance.