Characterization of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in Rotating Convection Systems

Abstract

Rotating flows and induced convection by centrifugal forces are prevalent in nature and also encountered in several engineering applications. This study is inspired by an engineering problem with relevance to the modern gas-turbine engine. In an internal air system of a high-pressure compressor, cavities form between the co-rotating compressor disks. The fluid flow due to the rotation of these cavities and the induced heat transfer rate from the disks directly affects the operational efficiency and safety of a gas turbine engine. The fluid flow inside these cavities exhibits complex phenomena as it involves a multitude of control parameters such as Rayleigh number, which defines the strengt..