Vortical Structures in Pin Fin Arrays for Turbine Cooling Applications

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel Otto ◽  
Justin Hodges ◽  
Gaurav Gupta ◽  
Jayanta S. Kapat
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Shear Layer ◽  
Vortex Formation ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Numerical Results ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Flow Physics ◽  
Pin Fin ◽  
Pin Fin Arrays

Abstract Pin fin arrays are common features in the trailing edge region of turbine blades, and provide both structural integrity and increases in heat removal rates. Aforementioned pins act as fins by increasing the flow-wetted area, while also introducing complex flow structures such as von Kármán vortex shedding and horseshoe vortex systems; both directly affecting the global and local heat transfer characteristics over the endwall. The present study utilizes a wind tunnel to investigate the row to row interactions throughout a pin fin array comprised of four staggered rows, with spanwise and streamwise pitches of 2.5 pin diameters with a focus on the flow field downstream of the first row. The channel height to pin diameter ratio of 2. The Reynolds numbers tested based on pin diameter and local maximum velocity are 10,000 and 30,000. PIV is used as the experimental method of choice for acquiring quantitative flow data to study the flow field and derive high fidelity turbulence data and vortex structures with respect to the effects of the upstream rows on the pin fins downstream; this describes the underlying flow physics that drive the local Nusselt Number distribution on the cooled surface. Also, it was found that the wake structure varies over the two Reynolds Numbers significantly due to increased flow instabilities which promote shear layer separation and vortex formation. Flow acceleration due to neighboring pins confines the vortex formation in spanwise direction. The distribution of turbulent kinetic energy and the contribution of all Reynolds Stress Tensor components is reported. The turbulent scheme in the wake region is particularly anisotropic. The test section pressure drop is in agreement with literature for 30,000 Reynolds Number, but larger for smaller Reynolds Numbers. A thorough RANS simulation of the baseline case was conducted by carefully adjusting the turbulence model parameters to accurately reflect this particular experimental setup. The numerical results are in good agreement with heat transfer results and thus are utilized to further understand the underlying flow physics. However, the shear layer breakdown is underpredicted in numerical results resulting in shielded regions in the wake of the pin with artificially low heat transfer. The findings of the study contribute to better understanding of the underlying flow physics in a pin fin cooled airfoil and assist design engineers in making better internal cooling geometries.

Turbulent Transport in Pin Fin Arrays: Experimental Data and Predictions

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. E. Ames ◽  
L. A. Dvorak
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Turbulent Transport ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Velocity Profiles ◽  
Pin Fin ◽  
Pin Fin Arrays

The objective of this research has been to experimentally investigate the fluid dynamics of pin fin arrays in order to clarify the physics of heat transfer enhancement and uncover problems in conventional turbulence models. The fluid dynamics of a staggered pin fin array have been studied using hot wire anemometry with both single and x-wire probes at array Reynolds numbers of 3000; 10,000; and 30,000. Velocity distributions off the endwall and pin surface have been acquired and analyzed to investigate turbulent transport in pin fin arrays. Well resolved 3-D calculations have been performed using a commercial code with conventional two-equation turbulence models. Predictive comparisons have been made with fluid dynamic data. In early rows where turbulence is low, the strength of shedding increases dramatically with increasing in Reynolds numbers. The laminar velocity profiles off the surface of pins show evidence of unsteady separation in early rows. In row three and beyond laminar boundary layers off pins are quite similar. Velocity profiles off endwalls are strongly affected by the proximity of pins and turbulent transport. At the low Reynolds numbers, the turbulent transport and acceleration keep boundary layers thin. Endwall boundary layers at higher Reynolds numbers exhibit very high levels of skin friction enhancement. Well resolved 3-D steady calculations were made with several two-equation turbulence models and compared with experimental fluid mechanic and heat transfer data. The quality of the predictive comparison was substantially affected by the turbulence model and near wall methodology.

Turbulent Transport in Pin Fin Arrays: Experimental Data and Predictions

2005 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. E. Ames ◽  
L. A. Dvorak
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Turbulent Transport ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Velocity Profiles ◽  
Pin Fin ◽  
Pin Fin Arrays

The objective of this research has been to experimentally investigate the fluid dynamics of pin fin arrays in order to clarify the physics of heat transfer enhancement and uncover problems in conventional turbulence models. The fluid dynamics of a staggered pin fin array has been studied using hot wire anemometry with both single- and x-wire probes at array Reynolds numbers of 3000, 10,000, and 30,000. Velocity distributions off the endwall and pin surface have been acquired and analyzed to investigate turbulent transport in pin fin arrays. Well resolved 3D calculations have been performed using a commercial code with conventional two-equation turbulence models. Predictive comparisons have been made with fluid dynamic data. In early rows where turbulence is low, the strength of shedding increases dramatically with increasing Reynolds numbers. The laminar velocity profiles off the surface of pins show evidence of unsteady separation in early rows. In row three and beyond, laminar boundary layers off pins are quite similar. Velocity profiles off endwalls are strongly affected by the proximity of pins and turbulent transport. At the low Reynolds numbers, the turbulent transport and acceleration keep boundary layers thin. Endwall boundary layers at higher Reynolds numbers exhibit very high levels of skin friction enhancement. Well-resolved 3D steady calculations were made with several two-equation turbulence models and compared with experimental fluid mechanic and heat transfer data. The quality of the predictive comparison was substantially affected by the turbulence model and near-wall methodology.

Influences of the Non-Uniform Pin-Fin Array on Heat Transfer Distribution in a Rotating Rectangular Channel

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuo-Cheng Hung ◽  
Szu-Chi Huang ◽  
Yao-Hsien Liu
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Rectangular Channel ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Stationary Case ◽  
Pin Fin ◽  
Liquid Crystal Thermography ◽  
Staggered Arrangement ◽  
Channel Orientation ◽  
Pin Fin Array ◽  
Pin Fin Arrays

The liquid crystal thermography was used to investigate the heat transfer of non-uniform pin-fin arrays in a rotating rectangular channel (AR = 4:1) at a channel orientation of 135°. The pin-fin array consisted of four and three pins in a staggered arrangement. The different sized pins were inserted at the rows exhibiting four pins, which produced a non-uniform distribution of the pin-fin array. The experiments were operated at Reynolds numbers of 10,000 and 20,000 for both stationary and rotating conditions. The rotation number varied from 0 to 0.33 and the buoyancy parameter ranged from 0 to 0.27. Results indicated that various heat transfer contours were observed as a result of flow separation and vortices caused by non-uniform pins. Compared to the stationary case, rotation increased heat transfer on both trailing and leading surfaces. The pin-fin array consisted of 6 and 9 mm pins produced the highest heat transfer and frictional losses under rotation condition.

Effects of Geometry, Spacing, and Number of Pin Fins in Additively Manufactured Microchannel Pin Fin Arrays

2017 ◽  
Vol 140 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine K. Ferster ◽  
Kathryn L. Kirsch ◽  
Karen A. Thole
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Pressure Loss ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Pin Fin ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Pin Fins ◽  
Turbine Airfoils ◽  
Pin Fin Arrays

The demand for higher efficiency is ever present in the gas turbine field and can be achieved through many different approaches. While additively manufactured parts have only recently been introduced into the hot section of a gas turbine engine, the manufacturing technology shows promise for more widespread implementation since the process allows a designer to push the limits on capabilities of traditional machining and potentially impact turbine efficiencies. Pin fins are conventionally used in turbine airfoils to remove heat from locations in which high thermal and mechanical stresses are present. This study employs the benefits of additive manufacturing to make uniquely shaped pin fins, with the goal of increased performance over conventional cylindrical pin fin arrays. Triangular, star, and spherical shaped pin fins placed in microchannel test coupons were manufactured using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). These coupons were experimentally investigated for pressure loss and heat transfer at a range of Reynolds numbers. Spacing, number of pin fins in the array, and pin fin geometry were variables that changed pressure loss and heat transfer in this study. Results indicate that the additively manufactured triangles and cylinders outperform conventional pin fin arrays, while stars and dimpled spheres did not.

Heat Transfer, Pressure Loss and Flow Field Measurements Downstream of Staggered Two-Row Circular and Elliptical Pin Fin Arrays

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (5) ◽  
pp. 458-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oguz Uzol ◽  
Cengiz Camci
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Pressure Loss ◽  
Total Pressure ◽  
Local Heat Transfer ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Local Heat ◽  
Wake Flow ◽  
Pin Fin ◽  
Pin Fin Arrays

This paper presents the results of heat transfer, total pressure loss, and wake flow field measurements downstream of two-row staggered elliptical and circular pin fin arrays. Two different types of elliptical fins are tested, i.e., a Standard Elliptical Fin (SEF) and a fin that is based on NACA four digit symmetrical airfoil shapes (N fin). The results are compared to those of a corresponding circular pin fin array. The minor axis lengths for both types of elliptical fins are kept equal to the diameter of the circular fins. Experiments are performed using Liquid Crystal Thermography and total pressure probe wake surveys in a Reynolds number range of 18 000 and 86 000 as well as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements at ReD=18 000. The pin fins had a height-to-diameter ratio of 1.5. The streamwise and the transverse spacings were equal to one circular fin diameter, i.e., S/D=X/D=2. For the circular fin array, average Nusselt numbers on the endwall within the wake are about 27% higher than those of SEF and N fin arrays. Different local heat transfer enhancement patterns are observed for elliptical and circular fins. In terms of total pressure loss, there is a substantial reduction in case of SEF and N fins. The loss levels for the circular fin are 46.5% and 59.5% higher on average than those of the SEF and N fins, respectively. An examination of the Reynolds analogy performance parameter show that the performance indices of the SEF and the N fins are 1.49 and 2.0 times higher on average than that of circular fins, respectively. The thermal performance indices show a collapse of the data, and the differences are much less evident. Nevertheless, N fins still show slightly higher thermal performance values. The wake flow field measurements show that the circular fin array creates a relatively large low momentum wake zone compared to the SEF and N fin arrays. The wake trajectories of the first row of fins in circular, SEF and N fin arrays are also different from each other. The turbulent kinetic energy levels within the wake of the circular fin array are higher than those for the SEF and the N fin arrays. The transverse variations in turbulence levels correlate well with the corresponding local heat transfer enhancement variations.

An Experimental Investigation of Impingement Heat Transfer in Narrow Space With Full-Height Pin Fins

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Rao ◽  
Chaoyi Wan ◽  
Yuyang Liu ◽  
Jiang Qin
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Experimental Study ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Target Plate ◽  
Pin Fin ◽  
Impingement Heat Transfer ◽  
Pin Fins ◽  
Narrow Space ◽  
Pin Fin Arrays ◽  
Full Height

An experimental study has been conducted on multiple-jet impingement heat transfer in a narrow space with full-height pin fins under maximum cross flow scheme. Transient liquid crystal thermography method has been used to obtain the detailed impingement heat transfer distribution for the Reynolds numbers from 15,000 to 30,000. The experimental study shows that the spanwisely-averaged Nusselt number ratio Nu/(Re0.8 Pr1/3) is almost independent of Reynolds numbers, and the full-height pin-fin arrays can slightly improve the average Nusselt number on the endwall of the target plate by about 5.0%, and increase the pressure loss by up to about 17.9%. It is also found that heat transfer uniformity is also improved on the endwall of the target plate with pin fin arrays.

Effects of sound on separated flows

1969 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon A. Peterka ◽  
Peter D. Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Shear Layer ◽  
Vortex Breakdown ◽  
Vortex Formation ◽  
Cross Flow ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Shear Layers ◽  
Formation Region ◽  
Region Length

Measurements of flow and fluctuating heat transfer were made for a circular cylinder in cross-flow with a transverse standing sound field imposed simultaneously. Reynolds numbers were of the order of 104, known to be in the disturbance-sensitive range, and sound intensities were as large as 140 db. The frequencies of the sound field were of the order of the disturbance frequency in the separated shear layers, reported first by Bloor.With a sound field having its frequency matched sufficiently closely to that occurring naturally in the shear layer, the growth of the instability is enhanced with the processes of vortex fusion and possibly vortex breakdown being detectable. At the same time, the vortex street frequency is only very weakly affected, although the vortex formation region length is reduced when the instability in the shear layer is enhanced. It is suggested that the discretization of vorticity in the shear layers is one factor significant in reducing the formation length. Heat transfer at the rear of the cylinder fluctuates at frequencies centred on the shedding frequency. The fluctuation level increases as the formation region shortens.

Turbulent Augmentation of Internal Convection Over Pins in Staggered Pin Fin Arrays

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. E. Ames ◽  
L. A. Dvorak ◽  
M. J. Morrow
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Nusselt Number ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Square Root ◽  
Hot Wire ◽  
Turbulence Measurements ◽  
Pin Fin ◽  
Effective Velocity ◽  
Pin Fin Arrays

The objective of this reserch was to investigate pin fin midline heat transfer in terms of our understanding of stagnation region heat transfer for cylinders in cross flow and turbine airfoils. An experimental investigation was conducted in a staggered pin fin array at Reynolds numbers of 3000, 10,000, and 30,000 based on the maximum velocity between cylinders. Midline distributions of static pressure and heat transfer were acquired for rows 1 through 8 at the three Reynolds numbers. Turbulence measurements and velocity distributions were acquired at the inlet and in between adjacent pins in rows using hot wire anemometry. One dimensional power spectra were calculated to determine integral and energy scales. Midline heat transfer distributions are reported as Nusselt number divided by the square root of Reynolds number as a function of angle. In these terms, heat transfer was found to increase through row 3 for a Reynolds number of 30,000. After row 3, heat transfer diminished slightly. Reynolds number for each row was recast in terms of an effective approach velocity, which was found to be highest in row 3 due to the upstream blockage of row 2. Based on this effective velocity Nusselt number divided by the square root of Reynolds number increased through row 4. These data indicate that heat transfer is highest in row 3 pins due to the highest effective velocity while heat transfer augmentation due to turbulence is highest in row 4 and beyond. Hot wire measurements show higher turbulence intensity and dissipation rates upstream of row 4 compared to upstream of row 3. Generally pressure, heat transfer, and turbulence measurements were taken at all rows providing a better understanding of turbulent transport from pin fin arrays.

Effects of Geometry and Spacing in Additively Manufactured Microchannel Pin Fin Arrays

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine K. Ferster ◽  
Kathryn L. Kirsch ◽  
Karen A. Thole
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Pressure Loss ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Pin Fin ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Pin Fins ◽  
Turbine Airfoils ◽  
Pin Fin Arrays

The demand for higher efficiency is ever-present in the gas turbine field and can be achieved through many different approaches. While additively manufactured parts have only recently been introduced into the hot section of a gas turbine engine, the manufacturing technology shows promise for more widespread implementation since the process allows a designer to push the limits on capabilities of traditional machining and potentially impact turbine efficiencies. Pin fins are conventionally used in turbine airfoils to remove heat from locations in which high thermal and mechanical stresses are present. This study employs the benefits of additive manufacturing to make uniquely shaped pin fins, with the goal of increased performance over conventional cylindrical pin fin arrays. Triangular, star, and spherical shaped pin fins placed in microchannel test coupons were manufactured using Direct Metal Laser Sintering. These coupons were experimentally investigated for pressure loss and heat transfer at a range of Reynolds numbers. Spacing, number of pin fins in the array, and pin fin geometry were variables that changed pressure loss and heat transfer in this study. Results indicate that the additively manufactured triangles and cylinders outperform conventional pin fin arrays, while stars and dimpled spheres did not.

Turbulent Augmentation of Internal Convection Over Pins in Staggered-Pin Fin Arrays

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. E. Ames ◽  
L. A. Dvorak ◽  
M. J. Morrow
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Nusselt Number ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Square Root ◽  
Hot Wire ◽  
Turbulence Measurements ◽  
Pin Fin ◽  
Effective Velocity ◽  
Pin Fin Arrays

The objective of this research was to investigate pin fin midline heat transfer in terms of our understanding of stagnation region heat transfer for cylinders in cross flow and turbine airfoils. An experimental investigation was conducted in a staggered-pin fin array at Reynolds numbers of 3000, 10,000, and 30,000 based on the maximum velocity between cylinders. Midline distributions of static pressure and heat transfer were acquired for rows 1 through 8 at the three Reynolds numbers. Turbulence measurements and velocity distributions were acquired at the inlet and in between adjacent pins in rows using hot wire anemometry. One-dimensional power spectra were calculated to determine integral and energy scales. Midline heat transfer distributions are reported as the Nusselt number divided by the square root of the Reynolds number as a function of angle. In these terms, heat transfer was found to increase through row 3 for a Reynolds number of 30,000. After row 3, heat transfer diminished slightly. The Reynolds number for each row was recast in terms of an effective approach velocity, which was found to be highest in row 3 due to the upstream blockage of row 2. Based on this effective velocity the Nusselt number divided by the square root of the Reynolds number increased through row 4. These data indicate that heat transfer is highest in row 3 pins due to the highest effective velocity, while heat transfer augmentation due to turbulence is highest in row 4 and beyond. Hot wire measurements show higher turbulence intensity and dissipation rates upstream of row 4 compared to upstream of row 3. Generally, pressure, heat transfer, and turbulence measurements were taken at all rows, providing a better understanding of turbulent transport from pin fin arrays.

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