Which engine component experiences the highest heat transfer to metal during operation?

• A. Burner cans
• B. Turbine inlet guide vanes
• C. Turbine blades
• D. Nozzle guide vanes

Answer: (B)

The hottest gas temperature occurs at the turbine inlet, and the surface that first encounters that peak-hot gas flow takes the greatest heat transfer to metal. Turbine inlet guide vanes sit directly in that immediate hot gas stream as the combustor outlet flow enters the turbine, so they see the highest convective heating and heat flux. Burner cans are inside the combustor and somewhat shielded by liners, while nozzle guide vanes and turbine blades, though also hot, are subjected to cooling schemes (film/transpiration cooling and channels) that limit the net heat transferred to the metal. So, the turbine inlet guide vanes receive the most heat transfer to metal during operation.