Research on the aerodynamics of intermediate turbine diffusers

Intermediate turbine diffusers represent the flow path between the high pressure and the low pressure turbine of a high-bypass ratio turbofan aero engine. Caused by the different rotational speeds of high and low pressure spool, these components have to diffuse and guide the flow safely to a larger diameter without disturbances or boundary layer separations. The large radial offset between in- and outlet of intermediate turbine diffusers leads to a pronounced S-shape. The trend for further increased bypass ratios will require more attention to this component since its shape influences the overall weight of engine and nacelle considerably. The complicated aerodynamics of these annular ducts has to be understood to realize short S-shaped diffuser designs. This article tries to review the flow evolution through intermediate turbine diffusers and discusses the influence of the different effects in a systematic way. Investigations by various researchers are presented and test turbine rigs for experiments under engine realistic duct inlet conditions are described. Special focus is laid on different measures for the designer to produce more aggressive diffuser layouts whilst keeping the losses low. The application of flow control, shape optimization and endwall contouring are promising actions to shorten the diffuser length and, furthermore, to gain an engine weight reduction. The paper ends with a discussion of new design concepts for turbine ducts as well as for future engine architectures. It can be concluded that intermediate turbine diffusers will become a key component for keeping the overall engine weight and fuel burn low.