Three-Dimensional Flow in an Axial Turbine: Part 2—Profile Attenuation

This paper presents an exhaustive experimental documentation of the three-dimensional nature of the flow in a one-and-one-half stage axial turbine. The intent was to examine the flow within, and downstream of, both the stator and rotor airfoil rows so as to delineate the dominant physical mechanisms. Part 1 of this paper presented the aerodynamic results. Part 2 presents documentation of the mixing, or attenuation, of a simulated spanwise inlet temperature profile as it passed through the turbine, including: (1) the simulated combustor exit-turbine inlet temperature profile, (2) surface measurements on the airfoils and endwalls of the three airfoil rows, and (3) radial–circumferential distributions downstream of each airfoil. Although all three rows contributed to profile attenuation, the impact of the rotor was strongest.