Simulations of Multi-Phase Particle Deposition on a Non-Axisymmetric Contoured Endwall With Film-Cooling

Abstract

Designing turbine components for maximum aerodynamic performance with adequate cooling is a critical challenge for gas turbine engineers, particularly at the endwall of a turbine due to complex secondary flows. To complicate matters, impurities from the fuel and intake air can deposit on film-cooled components downstream of the combustor. Deposition induced roughness can reduce cooling effectiveness and aerodynamic performance dramatically. One method commonly used for reducing the effects of secondary flows on aerodynamic performance is endwall contouring. The current study evaluates deposition effects on endwall contouring given the change to the secondary flow pattern. For the current study, deposition was dynamically simulated in a turbine cascade to determine its effects on film-cooling with and without endwall contouring. Computationally predicted impactions were in qualitative agreement with experimental deposition simulations showing that contouring reduced deposition around strategically placed film-cooling holes. Deposition reduced cooling effectiveness by 50% on a flat endwall and 40% on an identically cooled contoured endwall. Although 40% is still a dramatic reduction in effectiveness, the method of using the endwall contouring to alter deposition effects shows promise.