Development And Validation Of A Bezier Curve Based Profile Generation Method For Axial Flow Turbines

Abstract The important step in the turbine aerodynamic design is generation of blade element profiles to achieve the required flow deflection and smooth flow acceleration with minimum losses. During profile generation in addition to aerodynamic performance additional constraints of thermal structural and castability requirements need to be considered. Thus profile generation is a trade-off between contradicting requirements of aerodynamic performance thermal and structural performance. In the present study a method for profile generation based on Bezier curves is developed to meet the above conflicting requirements. These profiles are analyzed for the flow field using a commercial 3D N-S code for design and off-design conditions. These profiles are also tested in 2D transonic cascade tunnel. The profile pressure loss coefficient blade exit angle and blade surface isentropic mach numbers are compared between CFD and test results.