Large-eddy simulation of flow around low-pressure turbine blade with incoming wakes

The flow around a low-pressure turbine rotor blade with periodically incoming wakes at a realistic Reynolds number is computed by means of large-eddy simulation (LES). The computed results are discussed in terms of phase-averaged and mean quantities. A comparison is made with an existing direct numerical simulation (DNS) for the same geometry and operating conditions. Particular attention is devoted to How structures associated with the incoming wakes and their effect on the boundary layers. The analysis of the flowfield reveals patterns similar to those encountered in DNS and in LES of How in the same geometry at a lower Reynolds number. Noticeable differences occur in the suction-side boundary layer, which exhibits a complete transition to turbulence for the present case.