Comparison of Semi-Empirical Correlations and a Navier-Stokes Method for the Overall Performance Assessment of Turbine Cascades

Abstract

Turbomachinery flows can nowadays be investigated using several numerical techniques to solve the full set of Navier-Stokes equations; nevertheless the accuracy in the computation of losses is still a challenging topic. The paper describes a time-marching method developed by the authors for the integration of the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations in turbomachinery cascades. The attention is focused on turbine sections and the computed aerodynamic performances (outlet flow angle, profile loss, etc.,) are compared to experimental data and/or correlations. The need for this kind of CFD analysis tools is stressed for the substitution of standard correlations when a new blade is designed.