Experimental study of the unsteady aerodynamics in a linear cascade with low Reynolds number low pressure turbine blades

Low pressure turbines in aircraft experience large changes in flow Reynolds number as the gas turbine engine operates from takeoff to high altitude cruise. Low pressure turbine blades are also subject to regions of strong acceleration and diffusion. These changes in Reynolds number, strong acceleration, as well as elevated levels of turbulence can result in unsteady separation and transition zones on the surface of the blade. An experimental study was conducted in a two-dimensional linear cascade, focusing on the suction surface of a low pressure turbine blade. The intent was to assess the effects of changes in Reynolds number, and freestream turbulence intensity. Flow Reynolds numbers, based on exit velocity and suction surface length, have been varied from 50,000 to 300,000. The freestream turbulence intensity was varied from 1.1 to 8.1 percent. Separation was observed at all test Reynolds numbers. Increasing the flow Reynolds number, without changing freestream turbulence, resulted in a slightly rearward movement of the onset of separation and shrinkage of the separation zone. Increasing the freestream turbulence intensity, without changing Reynolds number resulted in a shrinkage of the separation region on the suction surface. Increasing both flow Reynolds numbers and freestream turbulence intensity compounded these effects such that at a Reynolds number of 300,000 and a freestream turbulence intensity of 8.1%, the separation zone was almost nonexistent. The influences on the blade's wake from altering freestream turbulence and Reynolds number are also documented. The width of the wake and velocity defect rise with a decrease in either turbulence level or chord Reylnolds number. Numerical simulations were performed in support of experimental results. The numerical results compare well qualitatively with the low freestream turbulence experimental cases.