As shown in the illustration, the HP turbine 2nd stage blades are cooled by convection, with the cooling air being discharged at which of the following? Illustration GT-0011

Correct Answer: Option B — Blade tips.

High-pressure turbine blades utilize internal convection cooling where air enters the root and exits through the blade tips. This design manages extreme thermal loads by creating a cooling film and exhausting heat into the gas path, preventing metallurgical failure of the turbine components under high-temperature Brayton cycle operation.