Large-Eddy Simulation of a High-Pressure Turbine Vane with Inlet Turbulence

It is important to be able to predict the state of the boundary layer on a high-pressure turbine vane with incoming turbulence. The laminar-to-turbulent transition significantly changes the heat transfer on the blade, which impacts the turbine performance and durability assessment. In this study, an experimental cascade with a high-pressure turbine vane was simulated with large-eddy simulation (LES). To incorporate the impact of turbulence from the freestream on the boundary layer appropriate turbulence data sets were generated in separate direct-numerical simulation and fed into the LES inlet. The state of the boundary layer is reasonably well predicted for the test condition of the turbulence intensity of Tu=4%. Streamwise vortical structures and spanwise two-dimensional waves are observed in the transitional boundary layer Discrepancy for the case with the higher turbulence intensity Tu=6% is discussed with the focus on the need for more detailed information about the freestream disturbances.