Overview of Thermodynamics, Shock Waves, and Turbulence Applications in Gas Turbine Design

As a highly efficient power generation device, the design of gas turbines critically depends on thermodynamic cycle optimization, shock wave control, and turbulence effect management. In the field of thermodynamics, performance breakthroughs have been achieved through advanced Brayton cycle designs by increasing turbine inlet temperatures (up to 1,600°C) and pressure ratios (>24). Shock wave effects significantly influence aerodynamic performance in transonic compressors and turbines, particularly through shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interactions (SWTBLIs), with high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations providing essential support for predicting shock wave dynamics. Turbulence research focuses on combustion mixing, cooling heat transfer, and aerodynamic loss control. Large eddy simulation (LES) and hybrid RANS-LES methods have elucidated the impact of turbulent vortex structures on combustion efficiency and boundary layer separation. Additionally, additive manufacturing-enabled complex cooling channel designs have substantially enhanced turbulent heat transfer capabilities (Δh↑30%). However, due to incomplete understanding of shock wave and turbulence mechanisms—both of which involve complex mass-heat exchange processes coupled with combustion—current numerical simulations cannot perfectly replicate gas turbine flows, particularly those spanning multiple components. Therefore, future research must emphasize multi-physics coupled design and artificial intelligence-driven optimization as pivotal approaches for advancing gas turbine flow studies.