High-Resolution Film Cooling Effectiveness Measurements of Axial Holes Embedded in a Transverse Trench With Various Trench Configurations

Adiabatic film cooling effectiveness of axial holes embedded within a transverse trench on the suction side of a turbine vane was investigated. High-resolution two-dimensional data obtained from infrared thermography and corrected for local conduction provided spatial adiabatic effectiveness data. Flow parameters of blowing ratio, density ratio, and turbulence intensity were independently varied. In addition to a baseline geometry, nine trench configurations were tested, all with a depth of $1∕2$ hole diameter, with varying widths, and with perpendicular and inclined trench walls. A perpendicular trench wall at the very downstream edge of the coolant hole was found to be the key trench characteristic that yielded much improved adiabatic effectiveness performance. This configuration increased adiabatic effectiveness up to 100% near the hole and 40% downstream. All other trench configurations had little effect on the adiabatic effectiveness. Thermal field measurements confirmed that the improved adiabatic effectiveness that occurred for a narrow trench with perpendicular walls was due to a lateral spreading of the coolant and reduced coolant jet separation. The cooling levels exhibited by these particular geometries are comparable to shaped holes, but much easier and cheaper to manufacture.