Validation of the “stage – diffuser” system numerical study and its use for design modernization

The efficiency of a gas turbine largely depends on the aerodynamics and pressure recovery capacity of the diffuser. For reliable numerical simulation of the flow in the diffuser, the model must be validated on the basis of experimental data on the flow structure. An experimental and numerical study of the stage diffuser system was carried out. The results of this investigation are as follows: the area of applicability of the numerical method for assessing the flow in the stage diffuser system was determined; recommendations for preparing a numerical model and transferring boundary conditions from domain to domain were developed; the importance of profiling the last turbine stage to ensure unseparated flow entry into the diffuser is indicated; the influence of the hub length and the geometry of the struts on the losses in the diffuser and its pressure recovery capacity is determined. It is shown that increasing the hub length to certain limits improves the pressure recovery ratio of the diffuser. The smallest thickness of the struts gives the best results; the tangential and axial slope of the struts does not make a significant contribution in the nominal operating mode of the gas turbine.