Experimental Study of Flow Through a Blade Trailing Edge with a Wavy Partition

Abstract

Flow through a blade trailing edge passage has been experimentally investigated in this article. This rectangular passage is divided into two channels by either a straight or a 120° wavy partition. Fluid in the first channel was injected into the second channel via 14 openings (holes) distributed uniformly and in the crests and troughs for the wavy configuration. Particle image velocimetry and a charge coupled device camera were used in experiment, with Reynolds number varying from 1,800 to 6,700. Experimental results show that the wavy configuration produces an oscillation flow in the second channel. The cause for the oscillation may due to the 120° wavy partition causing shear-layer instabilities and the formation of spanwise eddies by the wavy board. Pictures from the charge coupled device camera revealed strong mixing in the trailing edge, and this mixing could enhance heat transfer, which was confirmed in previous research. The amplitude of oscillation depends on Reynolds number and hole positions. It was observed that the injection flow was not symmetric to the openings, and it was skewed to the direction of the first channel main flow. The ratio of flow rate through the outlet and the bleeding holes was from 1:1 to 1:3.