Abstract:
In this study CFD-based shape optimization of a 3D nozzle and a 2D turbine blade cascade is
undertaken in the presence of non-equilibrium condensation within the considered flow channels.
A two-fluid formulation is used for the simulation of unsteady, turbulent, supersonic and
compressible flow of wet steam accounting for relevant phase interaction between nucleated
liquid droplets and continuous vapor phase. An in-house CFD code is developed to solve the
governing equations of the two phase flow and was validated against available experimental data. Optimization is carried out in respect to various objective functions. It is shown that
nucleation rate and maximum droplet radius are the best suited target functions for reducing
thermodynamic and aerodynamic losses caused by the spontaneous nucleation. The maximum
increase of 2.1% in turbine blade efficiency is achieved through shape optimization process.
