The Role of the Turbulent Prandtl Number in Turbine Blade Heat Transfer Prediction

A study was undertaken to improve the prediction of external (gas-to-blade) heat transfer coefficients in gas turbine engines. The study specifically investigated the effects of improved modeling of the eddy diffusivity of heat in the turbulence model. A two- dimensional boundary layer code, STAN5, was selected and modified by incorporating several different turbulent Prandtl number models. Results indicated that slight effects were attributable to the modified turbulence model. Boundary layer character (laminar, turbulent or transitioning) appeared to be much more significant.