Validation of a Coupled Fluid/Solid Heat Transfer Method

Abstract

A coupled method for solid/fluid steady heat transfer calculations is presented. The results of the fully coupled and uncoupled simulations are compared with the experimental data obtained for the front and rear stator well of a turbine. Several cooling mass flow rates have been considered. The uncoupled methodology is described as well and the accuracy of the results for both approaches is discussed. It is concluded that even if the uncoupled approach it is conducted carefully, the coupled method is more accurate since it removes some hypotheses inherent to the uncoupled approach.