Flow Visualisation in a Rotating Cavity With Axial Throughflow

Abstract

Annular cavities are found inside rotor shafts of turbomachines with an axial or radial throughflow of cooling air. In order to increase efficiency and system reliability, flow and heat transfer phenomena in those cavities have to be investigated in order to minimize thermal load. For research purposes an experimental rig is set up. This paper focuses on flow visualisation using a laser light sheet technique in a heated rotating cavity which is axially flown through by cooling air. Flow phenomena are observed by a rotating telemetric video camera which shows smoke flowing through the light sheet area located in the axial midplane. The visualisation procedure is described and the first results are pointed out. Additionally, heat transfer measurement across the wall is shown.