Numerical simulations of gap flow above rotating disk

A rotating disk can be considered a basic configuration for the investigations of the impact of various conditions on the flow through the clearance between the shrouded turbine blade and the casing. Numerical calculations using Fine/Turbo Numeca were conducted to examine the influence of the rotational velocity and the pressure difference across the disk on the flow conditions, especially the mass flow through the clearance. The results were validated using the experimental data. Moreover, the flow field was investigated to reveal the vortices induced in the flow. The calculations showed a significant drop of the mass flow with a rise of the rotation velocity. Additionally, the vortex created upstream of the disk at higher rotation velocities was observed. The phenomenon of separation at the edge of the disk was investigated.