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This group is focussed on the use of experimental
and numerical aerodynamic techniques to understand and exploit fluid
mechanics in real aerospace applications.
Broadly, the group is structured into teams of specialists in Experimental
Aerodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) together with
an application focussed team forming the Rolls-Royce University Technology
Centre (UTC) in Gas Turbine Combustor Aerodynamics.
CFD
The CFD team is actively developing and applying methodologies for
both Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and Large Eddy Simulation
(LES) to problems with complex geometrical and fluid mechanic features.
The team is well equipped with dedicated computing infrastructure,
the core of the facility being a Silicon Graphics Origin2000 parallel
supercomputer, which has 24 processors and 2.3Gb of memory, this
being connected by fast networks to 17 Silicon Graphics and Sun
workstations.
Recent work of the CFD team is:
- Development of the Delta CFD code for DERA, a multiblock pressure-based code for any flow speed.
- Prediction of hot gas ingestion (HGI) flows for the Joint Strike
Fighter program. In collaboration with Rolls-Royce (Military
Aero Engines), the complete flow field of the Boeing X-32 demonstrator
aircraft in ground effect was predicted using Delta, so demonstrating
the benefits of the unique jet curtain to reduce HGI.
- Use of CFD to understand the vortical flows in lobed mixers on
turbofans in collaboration with DERA and Rolls-Royce. These
are devices that
enhance mixing between hot and cold streams so reducing noise.
- Large Eddy Simulation predictions of Lean Prevapourised Premixed
combustor systems. These types of combustor systems show
great promise in reducing emissions but are difficult to use
in a
real engine.
- Large Eddy Simulation of separation and reattachment of transitional
flows, this was the first piece of work to identify the
mechanisms of primary instability in the transitional separation
bubble.
Rolls-Royce UTC
The UTC is a strategic partnership with Rolls Royce for advanced
technology and associated research. Experimental work includes
detailed investigations into the aerodynamic features within gas
turbine combustors, and research into compressor outlet guide vane
and compressor interconnecting duct flows. As well as direct funding
from Rolls-Royce, joint projects involve other partners including
EPSRC and DERA, as well as international partners such as KARI
(Korean Aerospace Research Institute).
Recent achievements of the UTC team include:
- Provision of advanced combustor diffuser designs including those
now used in the Trent 500 and Trent 700 engine series, with the
resulting improved aerodynamic performance leading to a significant
reduction
in engine specific fuel consumption.
- The aerodynamic design,
development and evaluation of future low emission combustor technology
and the importance of aerodynamic interactions
such as, for example, compressor inlet conditions and strut
wakes on the downstream combustor flow field.
- Improved understanding
of flows within Annular S-shaped ducts that connect the compressor
spools within gas turbine engines,
so leading
to the design of more highly loaded aerodynamic ducts.
- Development
of numerical methods including RANS codes, subsequently used
to identify loss mechanisms within combustor diffuser
systems, and the development of a Large Eddy Simulation
(LES) code that has
now been delivered to Rolls-Royce
Return to Aerodynamics
Research Group
    
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