Unsteady Flow Phenomena in Turbine Shroud Cavities

This paper presents those flow parameters at which coherent structures appear in the blade tip cavities of shrouded turbine blades. To the authors’ knowledge, this is reported for the first time in the open literature. The unsteady flow in a shroud cavity is analysed based on experimental data recorded in a labyrinth seal test rig. The unsteady static wall pressure in the shroud cavity inlet and outlet is measured using time-resolving pressure sensors. Sensors are located at staggered circumferential positions to allow cross-correlation between signals. The unsteady pressure signals are reduced using Fourier analysis and cross-correlation in combination with digital filters. Based on the data, a theory is formulated explaining the phenomena reflected in the measurements. The results suggest that pressure fluctuations with distinct numbers of nodes are rotating in the shroud cavity outlet. Moreover, modes with different node numbers appear to be superimposed, rotating at a common speed in circumferential direction. The pressure fluctuations are not found at all operating points. Further analysis indicates that the pressure fluctuations are present at operating points matching distinct parameters correlating with the cavity flow coefficient. Unsteady RANS simulations predict similar flow structures for the design operating point of the test rig.