The 1991 IGTI Scholar Lecture: The Role of Laminar-Turbulent Transition in Gas Turbine Engines

Abstract

A critical study of laminar-turbulent transition phenomena and their role in aerodynamics and heat transfer in modern and future gas turbine engines is presented. In order to develop a coherent view of the subject, a current look at transition phenomena from both a theoretical and experimental standpoint are provided and a comprehensive state-of-the-art account of transitional phenomena in the engine’s throughflow components given. The impact of transitional flow on engine design is discussed and suggestions for future research and developmental work provided.