Effect of Coolant Density on Leading Edge Showerhead Film Cooling Using the Pressure Sensitive Paint Measurement Technique

The density ratio effect on leading edge showerhead film cooling has been studied experimentally using the pressure sensitive paint (PSP) mass transfer analogy method. The leading edge model is a blunt body with a semicylinder and an after body. There are two designs: seven-row and three-row of film cooling holes for simulating a vane and blade, respectively. The film holes are located at 0 (stagnation row), ±15, ±30, and ±45 deg for the seven-row design, and at 0 and ±30 for the three-row design. Four film hole configurations are used for both test designs: radial angle cylindrical holes, compound angle cylindrical holes, radial angle shaped holes, and compound angle shaped holes. The coolant to mainstream density ratio varies from DR = 1.0, 1.5, to 2.0 while the blowing ratio varies from M = 0.5 to 2.1. Experiments were conducted in a low speed wind tunnel with Reynolds number 100,900 based on mainstream velocity and diameter of the cylinder. The mainstream turbulence intensity near the leading edge model is about 7%. The results show the shaped holes have an overall higher film cooling effectiveness than the cylindrical holes, and the radial angle holes are better than the compound angle holes, particularly at a higher blowing ratio. A larger density ratio makes more coolant attach to the surface and increases film protection for all cases. Radial angle shaped holes provide the best film cooling at a higher density ratio and blowing ratio for both designs.