Fine mesh calculation of three dimensional compressible turbine flow by a finite element computer code

Abstract

The present study is concerned with ~ine mesh calculationof three-dimensional compres~ible flow by a finiteelement computer c.ode previously developed. This code iscritically reviewed and changes are introduced to increaseits efficiency and accuracy.Two versions of the code are developed to increasethe number of elements used to discretize the solutiondomain. The first version involves various minor'modificationsthat increase the effectiveness of the code and thesecond version relaxes the memory limits of the first versionby incorporating a technique of systematic direct accessfile usage.Time.and storage performance of the new versions arediscussed. Applications of the first version o~ the code tothe first and fourth stage stator rows of a large electricutili ty turbine are presented. The results obtained for thecomplete hub to tip blade passage of the first stage statorare compared with the midspan solution previously published.The application to the fourth stage illustrates the strongthree-dimensional flow effects resulting from the small hubto-tip diameter ratio.