The role of research in the aerodynamic design of an advanced low-pressure turbine

Abstract

The new BR715 engine features an advanced low-pressure turbine aerodynamic design which includes ‘high-lift’ aerofoils. This paper shows how every part of the design methodology has been derived from extensive research instigated by both Rolls-Royce and BMW Rolls-Royce. Of particular importance has been the investigation of unsteady wake-boundary layer interaction on low-Reynolds-number blading and the generation of a database for the validation of the design methods.

Preliminary results from cold-flow rig testing have verified the design aims. In particular the aerodynamic efficiency is approximately 1 per cent above the prior technology base.

Keywords

aerodynamic design advanced low-pressure turbine

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