Flow Development Through Inter-Turbine Diffusers

Inter-turbine diffusers offer the potential advantage of reducing the flow coefficient in the following stages leading to increased efficiency. The flows associated with these ducts differ from those in simple annular diffusers both as a consequence of their high-curvature S-shaped geometry and of the presence of wakes created by the upstream turbine. Experimental data and numerical simulations clearly reveal the generation of significant secondary flows as the flow develops through the diffuser in the presence of cross-passage pressure gradients. The further influence of inlet swirl is also demonstrated. Data from experimental measurements with and without an upstream turbine are discussed and computational simulations are shown not only to give a good prediction of the flow development within the diffuser but also to demonstrate the importance of modelling the fully three-dimensional nature of the flow.