OPTIMIZATION AND ACTIVE CONTROL OF FILM COOLING

The proposed SBIR program targets the development of advanced concepts for film cooling of turbine airfoils. Through a combined experimental and computational effort, the proposed team will develop a CFD-based design-optimization tool that can be integrated into the existing turbine design loop and aid the designers in pursuing the optimal cooling geometry and strategy. The CFD program to facilitate such an optimization procedure is a well tested and constantly maintained finite-volume code. The entire design tool as well as its resulting optimal concepts will be validated by comparison with flow and hear-transfer data obtained from a series advanced optical measurement systems. The development of advanced instruments associated with these measurements alone can significantly benefit the general areas of turbine research and development. For practical implementation of the optimal designs and advanced concepts in real engines, the proposed team intends to make use of the emerging technology in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Active thermal and flow control on the coolant side and on part of the metal section of turbine airfoil using newly developed high-temperature, silicon-carbide-based microsensors and actuators has recently become possible. The proposed research will launch a feasibility study, followed by actual development of innovative sensors and actuators.