Optimisation of an air film cooled CFRP panel with an embedded vascular network. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McElroy, M.W.; Lawrie, A.; Bond, I.P.
• Is Part Of: International journal of heat and mass transfer. Volume 88(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 284
• Page End: 296
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Carbon fibre reinforced polymer -- Film cooling -- Microvascular -- Thermal analysis; Heat -- Transmission -- Periodicals; Mass transfer -- Periodicals; Chaleur -- Transmission -- Périodiques; Transfert de masse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 621.4022
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2015.04.071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-9310

Abstract

Highlights: Polymer composite panel with internal vascular and external film cooling for use in gas turbines. Numerical model to simulate cooling and heat transfer of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer panel. Experimental validation of numerical model. Optimization study on geometric design of vascule topology in a panel with and without film cooling. Optimization study demonstrates a design methodology & shows how film cooling affects performance. Abstract: The increasing use in the aerospace industry of strong, lightweight composite materials in primary structural components promises to substantially reduce aircraft non-pay-load weight, improving fuel consumption and operating profitability. This study explores the extension of composite material to regions of gas turbine engines previously considered too hot for composites with moderate melting points. Throughout the majority of a gas turbine cycle, gas stream temperatures exceed the polymer composite glass transition by a considerable margin. Boundary layer cooling strategies, however, may be adopted in the compression stages to extend the downstream distance that can be constructed using lightweight composites. This paper presents formulation and validation of a numerical model and its use in an optimisation study to develop a systematic process for thermal design of polymer composite structures in 'warm' gas streams. Internal vascular and external boundary layer film cooling strategies are considered.