Optimization of blade cooling system with use of conjugate heat transfer approach

This paper discusses an optimization problem of internal cooling passages within a turbine blade with Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) analysis involved. However, to make the problem computationally feasible it was necessary to reduce the CHT predictions by fixing the external flow and solving the task for the interior only (solid and coolant). The optimization is done with an evolutionary algorithm within a 30 dimensional design space which use of the Pareto approach. Results showed more reliable thermal field predictions comparing to the classical approach and possible improvements in the design obtained. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.