MARTINEZ-CASTRO, PEDRO,ALBERTO (2022) Entropy Generation Rate for Profiled Endwall Design in Turbines. Doctoral thesis, Durham University.
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Abstract
This thesis investigates the use of entropy generation rate as a design variable for Profiled Endwalls (PEW) to reduce secondary loss in turbines. Entropy generation rate is a measure of the local loss production in the machine, therefore any reduction in this variable leads to a reduction of the losses at their source. To that end, a numerical investigation was conducted to calculate the entropy generation rate via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) by solving the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations (RANS) in three dimensions, for the so-called Durham Cascade. This was part of a PEW Design System optimisation that used the entropy generation rate as a design variable in a Genetic Algorithm (GA) coupled with CFD validated against experimental measurements. After 3000 evaluations and 48000h CPU using the Hamilton High Performance Computing Service, the result was a new PEW denominated E2 that reduced the predicted entropy generation rate by 9.7% compared to the planar case (P0). An experimental campaign that consisted of axial traverses using a 5-hole probe, confirmed that the E2 reduced the stagnation pressure loss coefficient by 0.0241 compared to P0. Two loss reduction mechanisms were identified: reduced vortex interaction of the suction side horseshoe vortex (SSHV) with the pressure side horseshoe vortex (PSHV); and delayed blade suction side boundary layer separation. The first use of entropy generation rate as a design variable for iterative design optimisation has been explored and its use recommended for PEW design.
Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
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Award: | Doctor of Philosophy |
Keywords: | entropy generation rate; profiled endwall design; turbines; genetic algorithms; aerodynamic design optimisation |
Faculty and Department: | Faculty of Science > Engineering, Department of |
Thesis Date: | 2022 |
Copyright: | Copyright of this thesis is held by the author |
Deposited On: | 25 Nov 2022 11:43 |