Large Eddy Simulation of Rotationally Induced Ingress and Egress around an Axial Seal between Rotor and Stator Disks

In gas turbines, the hot exiting combustor can have temperatures as high 2000 °C, and some of this enter into space between stator rotor disks (wheelspace). Since entering could damage disks, its ingestion must be minimized. This is carried out by rim seals introducing a cooler flow from compressor (sealing flow) wheelspace. Ingress egress are driven vanes, rotation, blades. study focuses on ingress rotation. performing wall-resolved large eddy simulation (LES) around an axial seal in rotor–stator configuration without vanes Results obtained show mechanisms which rotation induce ingress, egress, trajectories. Kelvin–Helmholtz instability was found to create wavy shear layer displacement thickness that produces alternating regions low pressures side seal. Vortex shedding backward-facing impingement also pressures. The locations were statistically stationary cause start recirculating clearance entrainment. With effects isolated, enables blades assessed.