Heat transfer in a cavity with rotating disk in turbulent regime

Abstract

Subject of Research.The paper considers turbulent flow and heat exchange in a closed axisymmetric cavity with a rotating disk, which is a model of two-way axial thrust bearing, as well as the other important elements of turbomachines, for example, blade ring labyrinth seals of axial compressor stage. Method. The flow and heat transfer characteristics are studied depending on the relative gap between the fixed housing and the rotating disc and the Reynolds number. Comparison of the local and integral flow characteristics obtained on the basis of various models of turbulence with the data of physical experiment is given. Main Results. The flow structure and heat transfer characteristics are studied depending on the relative gap between the fixed body and the rotating disc and the Reynolds number. Comparison of the local and integral characteristics of the flow with the data of the physical experiment shows that the best matching is given by the application of the k-ε model with Kato-Launder corrections for the turbulence production term and the corrections to the curvature of the streamlines, as well as the two-layer k-ε / k-1 turbulence model. The application of the Spalart-Allmares turbulence model and the Reynolds stress transfer model leads to significant errors in calculating the heat flux distribution over the stator surface. Practical Relevance. The considered problem is a model problem and it gives the possibility to make a conclusion about the applicability of various flow models and models of turbulence in such units of compressors and gas turbines as seals of the blade ring, axial and radial gas and liquid bearings, rotating heat exchangers.