Modeling of Flow-Flame-Cooling Air Interaction under Technically Relevant Conditions (T01)

• Subject Area: Fluid Mechanics ; Energy Process Engineering ; Technical Thermodynamics
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 237267381

The aim of the transfer project is to develop and evaluate simulation models for describing heat transfer and losses in effusion-cooled gas turbines. The project is based on models for near-wall flow and combustion processes developed within the framework of the CRC 150. These models are validated under realistic gas turbine-relevant pressure, temperature, and flow conditions and extended as needed to include additional physical effects. The project comprises two main areas: Part 1: Flame-Cooling Air Interaction. This area focuses on reactive flows and examines the effects of effusion-cooled combustion chamber walls. The goal is to develop predictive models that accurately represent the influence of effusion cooling air on near-wall flame dynamics and pollutant formation. Part 2: Hot Gas-Cooling Air Interaction. This area investigates non-reactive flows around film-cooled turbine guide vanes (Nozzle Guiding Vanes, NGVs). The objective is to achieve a deeper understanding of the thermodynamic and aerodynamic effects of hot gas flow on film-cooled structures and to develop reliable LES wall models. The validation and optimization of the models proceed step by step, based on gas turbine- relevant configurations of increasing complexity. Initially, simplified configurations accessible to high-resolution simulations are analyzed as a reference for model validation. Finally, the validated models are applied by the industrial partner to real gas turbine combustion chambers and NGVs. The PRECISE-UNS industrial simulation software by Rolls-Royce Deutschland (RRD) serves as the platform for this process. The project is characterized by close collaboration between Rolls-Royce Deutschland and Technische Universität Darmstadt (TUDa). While TUDa is responsible for advancing the models, RRD focuses on integrating and applying them in industrial simulations. This partnership enables continuous model development and a direct transfer of knowledge into industrial practice. At the same time, requirements and insights from the simulation of real systems feed directly into the validation and further development of the models.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios (Transfer Project)
• Subproject of: TRR 150: Turbulent, chemically reactive, multi-phase flows near walls
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Darmstadt
• Business and Industry: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Christian Hasse