This two-part paper addresses the design of a U-bend for serpentine internal cooling channels optimized for minimal pressure loss. The total pressure loss for the flow in a U-bend is a critical design parameter, as it augments the pressure required at the inlet of the cooling system, resulting in a lower global efficiency. In the first part of the paper, the design methodology of the cooling channel was presented. In this second part, the optimized design is validated. The results obtained with the numerical methodology described in Part I are checked against pressure measurements and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. The experimental campaign is carried out on a magnified model of a two-legged cooling channel that reproduces the geometrical and aerodynamical features of its numerical counterpart. Both the original profile and the optimized profile are tested. The latter proves to outperform the original geometry by about 36%, in good agreement with the numerical predictions. Two-dimensional PIV measurements performed in planes parallel to the plane of the bend highlight merits and limits of the computational model. Despite the well-known limits of the employed eddy viscosity model, the overall trends are captured. To assess the impact of the aerodynamic optimization on the heat transfer performance, detailed heat transfer measurements are carried out by means of liquid crystals thermography. The optimized geometry presents overall Nusselt number levels only 6% lower with respect to the standard U-bend. The study demonstrates that the proposed optimization method based on an evolutionary algorithm, a Navier–Stokes solver, and a metamodel of it is a valid design tool to minimize the pressure loss across a U-bend in internal cooling channels without leading to a substantial loss in heat transfer performance.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
September 2013
Research-Article
Optimization of a U-Bend for Minimal Pressure Loss in Internal Cooling Channels—Part II: Experimental Validation
Filippo Coletti,
Filippo Coletti
1
e-mail: coletti@vki.ac.be
1Present address: Mechanical Engineering Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Search for other works by this author on:
Tom Verstraete,
Jérémy Bulle,
Jérémy Bulle
2
2Present address: Tractable Engineering, Brussels, Belgium.
Search for other works by this author on:
Timothée Van der Wielen,
Timothée Van der Wielen
3
3Present address: Geosea NV, Zwijndrecht, Belgium.
Search for other works by this author on:
Nicolas Van den Berge,
Nicolas Van den Berge
4
4Present address: Techspace Aero, Milmort, Belgium.
Search for other works by this author on:
Tony Arts
Tony Arts
e-mail: arts@vki.ac.be
von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics,
Turbomachinery and Propulsion Department,
Chaussée de Waterloo 72,
von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics,
Turbomachinery and Propulsion Department,
Chaussée de Waterloo 72,
Rhode-Saint-Genèse 1640
, Belgium
Search for other works by this author on:
Filippo Coletti
e-mail: coletti@vki.ac.be
Tom Verstraete
e-mail: tom.verstraete@vki.ac.be
Tony Arts
e-mail: arts@vki.ac.be
von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics,
Turbomachinery and Propulsion Department,
Chaussée de Waterloo 72,
von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics,
Turbomachinery and Propulsion Department,
Chaussée de Waterloo 72,
Rhode-Saint-Genèse 1640
, Belgium
1Present address: Mechanical Engineering Department, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
2Present address: Tractable Engineering, Brussels, Belgium.
3Present address: Geosea NV, Zwijndrecht, Belgium.
4Present address: Techspace Aero, Milmort, Belgium.
Contributed by the International Gas Turbine Institute of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF TURBOMACHINERY. Manuscript received January 22, 2012; final manuscript received October 25, 2012; published online June 28, 2013. Editor: David Wisler.
J. Turbomach. Sep 2013, 135(5): 051016 (10 pages)
Published Online: June 28, 2013
Article history
Received:
January 22, 2012
Revision Received:
October 25, 2012
Citation
Coletti, F., Verstraete, T., Bulle, J., Van der Wielen, T., Van den Berge, N., and Arts, T. (June 28, 2013). "Optimization of a U-Bend for Minimal Pressure Loss in Internal Cooling Channels—Part II: Experimental Validation." ASME. J. Turbomach. September 2013; 135(5): 051016. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4023031
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Related Articles
Numerical Study of Turbulent Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Characteristics in a Water-Cooled Minichannel Heat Sink
J. Electron. Packag (September,2007)
Two Constructal Routes to Minimal Heat Flow Resistance via Greater Internal Complexity
J. Heat Transfer (February,1999)
Latticework (Vortex) Cooling Effectiveness: Rotating Channel Experiments
J. Turbomach (July,2005)
Film Cooling From a Row of Holes Supplemented With Antivortex Holes
J. Turbomach (April,2009)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Adding Surface While Minimizing Downtime
Heat Exchanger Engineering Techniques
Thermodynamic Performance
Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines: Operating Experience and Future Potential
Control and Operational Performance
Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines: Operating Experience and Future Potential