Specific Aspects in Numerical Simulation of Complex Processes in Gas Turbine Engine Bearing Chamber

Abstract

The complex interrelation of thermal and hydraulic processes in a gas turbine engine bearing chamber requires modelling methods based on the multiphase flow mechanics and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to predict the fluid distribution and heat transfer phenomena. This paper presents a study of different approaches to CFD modelling of multiphase oil-air flow in the bearing chamber. The Volume of Fluid and Eulerian multiphase models, Steady and Transient solvers, “Realizable k-ε” and “k-ω SST” turbulence models were analysed. The Eulerian Wall Film Model implemented in ANSYS Fluent was applied to model an oil film formation on the bearing chamber walls. The CFD results were compared with available experimental data to formulate practical recommendations for precise modelling of processes in the bearing chamber.