Large Eddy simulations (LES) and Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of film cooling is being performed in order to better understand the flow and heat transfer physics associated with injecting a coolant film into a crossflow. The LES/DNS capability is being developed for simulation in complex geometries such as a turbine blade with film cooling holes using the immersed boundary approach. The DNS/LES results will be used to assist in the evaluation and improvements of turbulence models. This work is supported by NASA.

Work is also ongoing on flow measurements and liquid crystal measurements of film cooling. Techniques for enhancing film cooling effectiveness such as using tabs along the upstream edge of the hole are being explored.