Numerical Analysis of Flow within Ultra-Highly Loaded Turbines Cascade : Influence of Tip-Clearance Size

Abstract

The increase of blade loading of a turbine cascade makes it possible to reduce the number of blades and stages, and consequently to decrease both the weights and the costs for manufacturing and maintenance. However, the strong secondary flow appears in such highly loaded turbine cascades due to the high turning angles and reduces the efficiencies. In the present study, the effects of the tip clearance size(TCL) on the aerodynamic performance of a stationary linear ultra-highly loaded turbine cascade(UHLTC), which will be used for the future gas turbine engines of hypersonic transport, were investigated numerically.