CFD-A Powerful Visualization Tool in Turbomachinery Applications

Scientific visualization is an important tool in advancing the state-of-the-art in various applications involving fluid flow modelling. Many research works have shown to obtain reliable physical visualization and correct analysis of the entire complex aerodynamic nature in rotating machinery, a number of studies related to geometry, discretization, numerical set up and solution convergence are needed. Current research work results in a logical sequence for modelling of 3D viscous, compressible and turbulent flow in turbine stages with moving and twisted rotor blades. Approaches to attain high quality grid, physically correct numerical modelling and overcome convergence problems, are established. A complex turbine stage with application in industry is under research. Initially, the geometry modelling is carried out in Gambit, with established approaches to achieve high-quality grid; numerical modelling and calculations are fulfilled in Fluent with the help of additionally implemented user defined codes and convergence approaches, established by the author. Numerical modelling features and various approaches to obtain solution convergence for 3D compressible, viscous and turbulent flow, through rotating machines, are under consideration and discussed in this work. The elaborated methodology was applied for research of boundary layer development; radial gap effects on flow aerodynamics in turbine stages; erosion effects over turbine blades working in wet steam; roughness influence over turbine blade surface; to attain higher efficiency performance, etc. In addition, the methodology is applicable for research of turbomachines and their exploitation in nominal and variable operating regimes, further modernization and reconstruction.