Boundary Layer Development on Turbine Airfoil Suction Surfaces

Abstract

This paper presents results of a study, supported by NASA Contract NAS3-20646 under the Energy Efficient Engine Program, conducted to investigate the development of boundary layers under the influence of velocity distributions simulating the suction sides of two state-of-the-art turbine airfoils. One velocity distribution represented a forward loaded airfoil (“squared-off” design) while the other represented an aft loaded airfoil (“aft loaded” design). These velocity distributions were simulated in a low-speed high aspect ratio wind tunnel specifically designed for boundary layer investigations. It is intended that the detailed data presented in this paper be used to develop an improved turbulence model suitable for application to turbine airfoil design.