REYNOLDS STRESSES AND DISSIPATION MECHANISMS IN A TURBINE TIP LEAKAGE VORTEX

Reynolds stresses and mean flow velocities were measured throughout a tip leakage vortex in a large scale linear turbine cascade using hot-wire anemometry. An X-wire endflow probe was rotated about the probe axis using a computer controlled stepper motor. An improved solution procedure reduced the approximations involved in the Reynolds stress analysis. Measurements were made on a plane just upstream of the blade trailing edge. The results show the turbulence intensity, the turbulence kinetic energy, and all six Reynolds stresses. The non-isotropy of the Reynolds normal stresses is also presented. Turbulence production rates are evaluated and the contributions to the dissipation of mean kinetic energy from Osborne Reynolds’ nine terms are found. The turbulence production due to the strain rate of the secondary flow is also considered.Copyright © 1994 by ASME