Optimization and CFD Analysis in Divergent Exhaust Diffuser Geometries for Maximum Coefficient of Pressure Recovery in Gas Turbine Engines

This study aims to develop and evaluate models of a gas turbine engine's divergent exhaust diffuser to determine the configuration that maximizes the Coefficient of Pressure Recovery (CPR). Various diffuser geometries are explored, focusing on parameters such as half cone angle, intake diameter, outlet diameter, and diverging outlet diameter. Using the Ansys workbench, divergent exhaust diffusers are modeled with half cone angles of 7°, intake diameters ranging from 120 mm to 140 mm in 5 mm increments, and outlet diameters of 252.25 mm and 210.75 mm. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are performed in ANSYS Fluent to analyze static pressure and exit velocity, from which the CPR is find for each configuration. Theoretical values from Bernoulli's and continuity equation checked with the CFD results. The geometry that produces the highest CPR will identified to optimize the performance of divergent exhaust diffuser, thereby enhancing the turbine's power and efficiency.