Modelling of vane and rotor blade rows in simulations of gas turbine performance

A method of modelling of nozzle and rotor blade rows of gas turbine dedicated to simulations of gas turbine performance is proposed. The method is applicable especially in early design stage when many of geometric parameters are yet subject to change. The method is based on analytical formulas derived from considerations of flow theory and from cascade experiments. It involves determination of parameters of gas flow on the mean radius of blade rows. The blade row gas exit angle, determined in turbine design point is a basis for determination of details of blade contour behind the throat position. Throat area is then fixed based on required maximum mass flow in critical conditions. Blade leading edge radius is determined based on flow inlet angle to the blade row in the design point. The accuracy of analytical formulas applied for definition of blade contour details for assumed gas exit angle was verified by comparing the results of analytical formulas with CFD simulations for an airfoil cascade. Losses of enthalpy due to non-isentropic gas flow are evaluated using the analytical model of Craig and Cox, based on cascade experiments. Effects of blade cooling flows on losses of total pressure of the gas are determined based on analytical formulas applicable to film cooling with cooling streams blowing from discrete point along blade surface, including leading and trailing edges. The losses of total pressure due to film cooling of blades are incorporated into the Craig and Cox model as additional factor modifying gas flow velocities.