High–pressure turbine rotor blade end-wall flow and cooling characteristics: Trends and perspectives

Aero-engines are designed to operate at extremely high temperatures to achieve the highest possible efficiency and specific power during operation. Such extreme temperatures place extraordinarily high thermal loads on engine components, the melting points of which can be easily exceeded; thus, significant harm can be caused to the engines if efficient cooling measures are not provided. This paper reviews the global research progress regarding the flow and heat transfer characteristics of turbine rotor-blade end-walls, comprehensively analyzes typical research results for air-film cooling in the end-wall region along with its influencing factors, and summarizes simulation and experimental methods used to study end-wall flow and cooling characteristics. Finally, it emphasizes future research directions, which include end-wall structural modifications, improved cooling technologies, better cooling-efficiency measurement methods, and more robust composite materials.