A computational analysis for prediction of the static and dynamic forced performance of gas honeycomb seals at off-centered rotor conditions follows. The bulk-flow analysis, similar to the two-control volume flow model of Kleynhans and Childs (1997, “The Acoustic Influence of Cell Depth on the Rotordynamic Characteristics of Smooth-Rotor/Honeycomb-Stator Annular Gas Seals,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, 119, pp. 949–957), is brought without loss of generality into a single-control volume model, thus simplifying the computational process. The formulation accommodates the honeycomb effective cell depth, and existing software for annular pressure seals and is easily upgraded for damper seal analysis. An analytical perturbation method for derivation of zeroth- and first-order flow fields renders the seal equilibrium response and frequency-dependent dynamic force impedances, respectively. Numerical predictions for a centered straight-bore honeycomb gas seal shows good agreement with experimentally identified impedances, hence validating the model and confirming the paramount influence of excitation frequency on the rotordynamic force coefficients of honeycomb seals. The effect of rotor eccentricity on the static and dynamic forced response of a smooth annular seal and a honeycomb seal is evaluated for characteristic pressure differentials and rotor speeds. Leakage for the two seal types increases slightly as the rotor eccentricity increases. Rotor off-centering has a pronounced nonlinear effect on the predicted (and experimentally verified) dynamic force coefficients for smooth seals. However, in honeycomb gas seals, even large rotor center excursions do not sensibly affect the effective local film thickness, maintaining the flow azimuthal symmetry. The current model and predictions thus increase confidence in honeycomb seal design, operating performance, and reliability in actual applications.
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January 2007
Technical Papers
A Bulk Flow Model for Off-Centered Honeycomb Gas Seals
Thomas Soulas,
Thomas Soulas
Research Assistant
Mechanical Engineering Department,
Texas A&M University
, College Station, TX 77843-3123
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Luis San Andres
Luis San Andres
Mast-Childs Tribology Professor
Mechanical Engineering Department,
Texas A&M University
, College Station, TX 77843-3123
Search for other works by this author on:
Thomas Soulas
Research Assistant
Mechanical Engineering Department,
Texas A&M University
, College Station, TX 77843-3123
Luis San Andres
Mast-Childs Tribology Professor
Mechanical Engineering Department,
Texas A&M University
, College Station, TX 77843-3123J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. Jan 2007, 129(1): 185-194 (10 pages)
Published Online: March 1, 2002
Article history
Received:
October 1, 2001
Revised:
March 1, 2002
Citation
Soulas, T., and Andres, L. S. (March 1, 2002). "A Bulk Flow Model for Off-Centered Honeycomb Gas Seals." ASME. J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. January 2007; 129(1): 185–194. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2227031
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