AT3E - AeroThermals for Enhanced Engine Exit

Purpose and goal

The project has investigated both aerodynamic performance and heat transfer in an aerodynamically optimized Ultra Efficient Turbine Rear Structure in the test rig at Chalmers University. Important flow features that affect the performance of the turbine structure have been studied including boundary layer laminar-turbulent transition, separation margins, and secondary flows. The heat transfer has been studied in less detail and will be studied with additional measurements for several configurations, with the aim to complement aerodynamic studies with heat transfer studies.

Expected results and effects

The project is expected to conduct the first detailed investigation of heat transfer under realistic conditions. The maturity of the project is at TRL 4 and with these additional tests is expected to advance to TRL 5. Heat transfer tests will focus on two configurations: one with engine mount recess and the other with welds. This will give an understanding of the thermal loads in critical areas of the component which are currently missing.

Planned approach and implementation

The project aims to run a detailed heat transfer investigation of two LPT-OGV geometries. The measurements will be performed in Chalmers´ test rig with the objectives of: 1) Explore and validate heat transfer in an LPT-OGV with engine mount recess and a TRS with surface non-conformances such as welds; 2) Map the convective heat transfer for accurate calculations of thermal loads; 3) Gain a detailed understanding of aerothermal phenomena using advanced measurement techniques; 4) Improve the fidelity of the thermal design and analysis methods used.