A numerical analysis of cross-flow reinforced impingement cooling through a U-shaped turbulator and a roughened target plate

Abstract

Efficient impingement cooling systems are crucial for turbomachinery applications. This study numerically explores eight different impingement cooling system geometries, focusing on the role of turbulators on both hole and target plates. RANS simulations and the DLR TRACE solver are utilized. On the hole plate a U-shaped turbulator (called ArcConic) uses the cross-flow to reinforce the jet by guiding it into the adjacent jet and thus increasing its effective jet Reynolds number. The target plate turbulators impact flow patterns, turbulence and surface area. Our findings show a moderate pressure drop and an 26% increase in heat flux. This research contributes valuable design insights for developing efficient impingement cooling systems and addresses the practicality of manufacturing these configurations using selective laser melting (SLM) technology.