Accelerated multiphase flow prediction methods of phase transition, droplet dynamics and efficiency in high-speed vapor flows

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.Design and optimization of steam and gas turbines using computer models is now well established in industry. However many of these models do not yet include all of the most influential phenomena that impact performance. This is the case for steam turbines that are used worldwide in thermal and nuclear power plants. The inclusion of wetness, in particular how and where it is formed and its distribution in the turbine, in computer models is only in its early stages. The appearance of wetness in steam turbines greatly affects its efficiency as well as the life of its components due to the increase of erosion. This research continues a program focused on improving the predictions of wetness in steam turbines using comprehensive models of the two-phase fluid mechanics in these machines. Five graduate students will be engaged in the research over a five year period following two broad objectives. Furthermore, the research also investigates merging past models with the appearance of new computer architectures that show the potential for dramatic decreases in solution times and thus further increasing the use of the models for design and optimization.