Multidisciplinary optimization of airfoil cooling structure

This paper discuses the problem of cooling system optimization within a gas turbine airfoil regarding to thermo-mechanical behavior of the component, as well as some economical aspects of turbine operation. The main goal of this paper is to show the possibilities of evolutionary approach application to the cooling system optimization. This method, despite its relatively high computational cost, seems to be a valuable tool to such technical problems. The analysis involves the optimization of location and size of internal cooling passages within an airfoil. Initially cooling is provided with circular passages and heat is transported by convection. During the optimization the number of channels can vary. The task is approached in 3D configuration. Each passage is fed with cooling air of constant parameters at the inlet. Also a constant pressure drop is assumed along the passage length. The thermal boundary conditions in passages vary with diameter and local vane temperature (passage wall temperature). The analysis is performed by means of the genetic algorithm for the optimization task and FEM for the heat transfer predictions within the component. In the present study the airfoil profile is taken as aerodynamically optimal and the objective of the search procedure is to find cooling structure variant that at given external conditions provides lower stresses, material temperature and indirectly coolant usage.