Design and Application Considerations for a High Speed Rotating Heat Pipe

[Abstract] Simulating internal airflow conditions within turbine blade internal cooling passages can be an effective tool to gain a better understanding of the interaction between angular velocity, operating temperatures, coolant effectiveness, etc. In the current research, a next generation heat rig capable of achieving 10,000 RPM was designed and fabricated to simulate the high temperature and angular velocity histories of turbine blades. The first phase of the design consists of a tubular shaft specimen aligned with the axis of rotation that allows for coolant to be internally passed. The heat pipe is externally heated with NiCr resistive wire, and the rotation of the shaft is facilitated by a digitally-controlled motor. In order to overcome the design challenges of this system, many of the obstacles concerning mechanical strength, rotordynamics and thermal control were encountered. Developing life estimates, carrying out modal analysis to guard against low critical speeds, implementing accurate temperature control, and so on, were important considerations. Preliminary experiments were carried out on the device to determine the performance of the system.