Numerical investigation on the effects of HC geometry on the flow and heat transfer in the disk cavity system at the turbine vane root

Abstract

In this study, we numerically investigate the flow and heat transfer in the sealing system at the vane root of a heavy-duty turbine with the aim of determining the optimal geometry of honeycomb cells within a certain parameter range. First, we analyze the impact of honeycomb cell geometry on flow in the sealing gaps, including flow rotation, energy dissipation in the teeth chamber and honeycomb cell, and frictional losses. Next, we examine the heat transfer capacity between the leakage flow and the surfaces of the rotor or stator, and establish the relationship between the stream function and the average heat transfer coefficient. Third, we compare the predicted core swirl ratio, the most important aerodynamic parameter in disk cavities, with those from equations in the literature. The decrease in core swirl ratio in the upstream disk cavity indicates that the use of different honeycomb cell geometries may lead to excessive axial thrust. Finally, we study the local and average heat transfer capacities on the turbine disk and introduce a correction factor (0.12–0.21) into the correlation to make it applicable to analogous turbine disks or rotor–stator cavities in other turbo machines with low radii honeycomb labyrinth seals. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for the optimal honeycomb cell geometries for the two sealings for different targets. These results serve as a reference for designers of honeycomb labyrinth seals for gas turbines and other turbo machines.