The Current State of High-Fidelity Simulations for Main Gas Path Turbomachinery Components and Their Industrial Impact

Abstract

Over the past two decades high-fidelity simulations have become feasible for most main gas path turbomachinery components. This paper introduces the key challenges of simulating and modelling turbomachinery flows and presents an overview of possible simulation strategies. A comprehensive overview is given of which particular design challenges have to date been addressed by high-fidelity simulations, with a particular focus on high-pressure and centrifugal compressors, and high-pressure and low-pressure turbines. Recommendations are provided for how quality and accuracy can be ensured for high-fidelity simulations, using direct numerical simulations of a low-pressure turbine as a case study. ..