AT3E - AeroThermals for Enhanced Engine Exit

Important results from the project

The project has studied both aerodynamic performance and heat transfer in an aerodynamically optimized Ultra Efficient Turbine Rear Structure in Chalmers´ test rig. Heat transfer has been studied in depth and accurate measurements have been collected. The additional heat transfer measurements have been performed for several configurations in order to supplement aerodynamic studies.

Expected long term effects

The project has produced the required experimental data for increasing the maturity of an UltraEfficient turbine structure to a TRL 5. The experimental data have also been used for validation of methods for aerodynamics loss predition. The results have led to improved design tools and increased understanding of important flow phenomena which will allow us to improve the design of engine structures in general, including those in the front end of the engine.

Approach and implementation

A state-of-the-art design and an Ultra-Efficient turbine structure has been studied at the Chalmers LPT-OGV facility under different engine representative conditions. The flow has been mapped in detail using a variety of flow measurement techniques, and the convective heat transfer on the surfaces has been obtained using an IR-thermography based technique. The performance of the Ultra-Efficient design were then evaluated based on the measurements. Also using the experimental results, post-test CFD analysis and CFD validation has been performed.