Comparison of two- and three-dimensional models of turbulent flow in the drive cone cavity of a gas turbines engine

The simulation of turbulent flow of viscous compressible fluid in the cone cavity of a high pressure turbine is considered. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations and the equations of the Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model are used in computations. The numerical results based on the two-dimensional (axisymmetric model) formulation of the problem and based on the three-dimensional (model in the form of a sector with periodic boundary conditions in the circumferential direction) formulation of the problem are compared. Some small 3D details of the model, such as bolts and flanges, and their influence on the flowfield are taken into account in the computational model. The flow structure (distributions of flow quantities, location and number of recirculation regions, flow direction) obtained in the cavity for various models is compared.