Oscillating vortex generator jets have been used to control boundary layer separation from the suction side of a low-pressure turbine airfoil. A low Reynolds number (Re=25,000) case with low free-stream turbulence has been investigated with detailed measurements including profiles of mean and fluctuating velocity and turbulent shear stress. Ensemble averaged profiles are computed for times within the jet pulsing cycle, and integral parameters and local skin friction coefficients are computed from these profiles. The jets are injected into the mainflow at a compound angle through a spanwise row of holes in the suction surface. Preliminary tests showed that the jets were effective over a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes. Detailed tests were conducted with a maximum blowing ratio of 4.7 and a dimensionless oscillation frequency of 0.65. The outward pulse from the jets in each oscillation cycle causes a disturbance to move down the airfoil surface. The leading and trailing edge celerities for the disturbance match those expected for a turbulent spot. The disturbance is followed by a calmed region. Following the calmed region, the boundary layer does separate, but the separation bubble remains very thin. Results are compared to an uncontrolled baseline case in which the boundary layer separated and did not reattach, and a case controlled passively with a rectangular bar on the suction surface. The comparison indicates that losses will be substantially lower with the jets than in the baseline or passively controlled cases.
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October 2003
Technical Papers
Separation Control on Low-Pressure Turbine Airfoils Using Synthetic Vortex Generator Jets
Ralph J. Volino
Ralph J. Volino
Department of Mechanical Engineering, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402
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Ralph J. Volino
Department of Mechanical Engineering, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402
Contributed by the International Gas Turbine Institute and presented at the International Gas Turbine and Aeroengine Congress and Exhibition, Atlanta, GA, June 16–19, 2003. Manuscript received by the IGTI December 2002; final revision March 2003. Paper No. 2003-GT-38729. Review Chair: H. R. Simmons.
J. Turbomach. Oct 2003, 125(4): 765-777 (13 pages)
Published Online: December 1, 2003
Article history
Received:
December 1, 2002
Revised:
March 1, 2003
Online:
December 1, 2003
Citation
Volino, R. J. (December 1, 2003). "Separation Control on Low-Pressure Turbine Airfoils Using Synthetic Vortex Generator Jets ." ASME. J. Turbomach. October 2003; 125(4): 765–777. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1626686
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