Elliptic Trailing Edge for a Turbine Blade: Aerodynamic and Aerothermal Effects

Three-dimensional flow simulations through a turbine cascade are carried out for an exit isentropic Mach number of 0.79. The objective of the present study is to qualitatively and quantitatively clarify the effect of using an elliptic trailing edge (TE) instead of a circular one on the flow. Calculations are carried out using a parallel, turbulent, structured, single-block code and the delayed detached eddy simulation is employed for turbulence. We maintain the TB thickness (minor axis) and modify the other axis (major axis). Time-averaged pressure and heat transfer coefficient distributions along the blade are presented with more attention paid to the TB region. The results show that increasing the major-to-minor axis ratio decreases both the heat transfer coefficient and loss. Therefore, designers can adjust this ratio according to application needs.