Detailed Measurements of Three-Dimensional Flows and Losses Inside an Axial Flow Turbine Rotor

Abstract

Detailed traverse measurements of three dimensional flows and the associated losses inside a turbine rotor passage were carried out in the rotating frame of reference by using small five hole Pitot tubes. Strong secondary flows including passage vortices, a leakage vortex and various separation vortices were found to occur in the passage, and they are significantly influenced by the rotor speed, variation of which corresponds to different test incidences and blade loadings. Loss generation process in the rotor is described in relation to the migration of low energy fluids which are driven by the various vortices and their interaction at different rotor incidences.