Near-Contact Laser Surface Textured Dry Gas Seals

2004 ◽  
Vol 126 (4) ◽  
pp. 788-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. McNickle ◽  
I. Etsion

A new concept of a near-contact gas seal is experimentally investigated. A simulated gas face seal for a high-speed gas turbine engine is used for the investigation. A baseline conventional contacting-type seal is compared with an identical seal that was laser surface textured (LST) to turn it into a near-contact gas seal. Results show the potential benefits of the new concept in terms of smoother running, lower friction torque, and lower face temperature at 12,000 RPM over a range of face loading.

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (24) ◽  
pp. 7522
Author(s):  
Linqing Bai ◽  
Pengcheng Zhang ◽  
Zulfiqar Ahmad Khan

Seal performance of a novel gas mechanical face seal with semi salix leaf textures was introduced and theoretically investigated with the purpose of enhancing hydrostatic and hydrodynamic opening performance. First, a theoretical model of a laser surface textured gas mechanical face seal with semi salix leaf textures was developed. Second, the impact of operating and texturing parameters on open force, leakage, and friction torque was numerically investigated and has been discussed based on gas lubrication theory. Numerical results demonstrate that the semi salix leaf textured gas face seal has larger hydrostatic and hydrodynamic effects than the semi ellipse textured seal because of the effect of the inlet groove. All semi salix leaf textured surfaces had better open performance than the semi ellipse textured surface, which means that the inlet groove plays an important role in improving open performance and consequently decreasing contact friction during the start-up stage. Texturing parameters also influenced the seal performance of thee semi salix leaf textured gas face seal. When the inclination angle was 50°, the radial proportion of the inlet groove was 0.8, the dimple number was 9, and the open force resulted in the maximum value. This research has demonstrated the positive effects of the applications of a semi salix leaf textured gas mechanical face seal that combines the excellent hydrostatic and hydrodynamic effects of groove texture and the excellent wear resistance of microporous textures.


Author(s):  
Xu-Dong Peng ◽  
Li-Li Tan ◽  
Ji-Yun Li ◽  
Song-En Sheng ◽  
Shao-Xian Bai

A two-dimensional Reynolds equation was established for isothermal compressible gas between the two faces of a dry gas face seal with both spiral grooves and an inner annular groove onto the hard face. The opening force, the leakage rate, the axial film stiffness and the film stiffness to leakage ratio were calculated by finite element method. The comparisons with the sealing performances of a typical gas face seal only with spiral grooves onto its hard face were made. The effects of the face geometric parameters on the static behavior of such a seal were analyzed. The optimization principle for geometric parameters of a dry gas face seals with spiral grooves and an inner annular groove was presented. The recommended geometric parameters of spiral grooves and circular groove presented by optimization can ensure larger axial stiffness while lower leakage rates.


Author(s):  
Sheng Wei ◽  
Brandon Sforzo ◽  
Jerry Seitzman

This paper describes experimental measurements of forced ignition of prevaporized liquid fuels in a well-controlled facility that incorporates non-uniform flow conditions similar to those of gas turbine engine combustors. The goal here is to elucidate the processes by which the initially unfueled kernel evolves into a self-sustained flame. Three fuels are examined: a conventional Jet-A and two synthesized fuels that are used to explore fuel composition effects. A commercial, high-energy recessed cavity discharge igniter located at the test section wall ejects kernels at 15 Hz into a preheated, striated crossflow. Next to the igniter wall is an unfueled air flow; above this is a premixed, prevaporized, fuel-air flow, with a matched velocity and an equivalence ratio near 0.75. The fuels are prevaporized in order to isolate chemical effects. Differences in early ignition kernel development are explored using three, synchronized, high-speed imaging diagnostics: schlieren, emission/chemiluminescence, and OH planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF). The schlieren images reveal rapid entrainment of crossflow fluid into the kernel. The PLIF and emission images suggest chemical reactions between the hot kernel and the entrained fuel-air mixture start within tens of microseconds after the kernel begins entraining fuel, with some heat release possibly occurring. Initially, dilution cooling of the kernel appears to outweigh whatever heat release occurs; so whether the kernel leads to successful ignition or not, the reaction rate and the spatial extent of the reacting region decrease significantly with time. During a successful ignition event, small regions of the reacting kernel survive this dilution and are able to transition into a self-sustained flame after ∼1–2 ms. The low aromatic/low cetane number fuel, which also has the lowest ignition probability, takes much longer for the reaction zone to grow after the initial decay. The high aromatic, more easily ignited fuel, shows the largest reaction region at early times.


Author(s):  
K. R. Pullen ◽  
N. C. Baines ◽  
S. H. Hill

A single stage, high speed, high pressure ratio radial inflow turbine was designed for a single shaft gas turbine engine in the 200 kW power range. A model turbine has been tested in a cold rig facility with correct simulation of the important non-dimensional parameters. Performance measurements over a wide range of operation were made, together with extensive volute and exhaust traverses, so that gas velocities and incidence and deviation angles could be deduced. The turbine efficiency was lower than expected at all but the lowest speed. The rotor incidence and exit swirl angles, as obtained from the rig test data, were very similar to the design assumptions. However, evidence was found of a region of separation in the nozzle vane passages, presumably caused by a very high curvature in the endwall just upstream of the vane leading edges. The effects of such a separation are shown to be consistent with the observed performance.


Author(s):  
S. G. Berenyi

This technology project, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, is intended to advance the technological readiness of the ceramic automotive gas turbine engine. Of the several technologies requiring development before such an engine becomes a commercial reality, structural ceramic components represent the greatest technical challenge, and are the prime project focus. The ATTAP aims at developing and demonstrating such ceramic components that have a potential for: (1) competitive automotive engine life cycle cost and (2) operating for 3500 hr in a turbine engine environment at turbine inlet temperatures up to 1371°C (2500°F). Allison is addressing the ATTAP goal using internal technical resources, an extensive technology and data base from General Motors (GM), technical resources from several subcontracted domestic ceramic suppliers, and supporting technology developments from Oak Ridge and other federal programs. The development activities have resulted in the fabrication and delivery of numerous ceramic engine components, which have been characterized through laboratory evaluation, cold spin testing, hot rig testing, and finally through engine testing as appropriate. These component deliveries are the result of the ATTAP design/process development/fabrication/characterization/test cycles. Ceramic components and materials have been characterized in an on-going program using nondestructive and destructive techniques. So far in ATTAP, significant advancements include: • evolution of a correlated design procedure for monolithic ceramic components • evolution of materials and processes to meet the demanding design and operational requirements of high temperature turbines • demonstration of ceramic component viability through thousands of hours of both steady-slate and transient testing while operating at up to full design speed, and at turbine inlet temperatures up to 1371°C (2500°F) • completion of hundreds of hours of durability cyclic testing utilizing several “all ceramic” gasifier turbine assemblies • demonstration of ceramic rotor survivability under conditions of extreme foreign object ingestion, high speed turbine tip rub, severe start-up transients, and a very demanding durability cycle In addition to the ceramic component technology, progress has been made in the areas of low emission combustion technology and regenerator design and development.


Aerospace ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Large ◽  
Apostolos Pesyridis

In this study, the on-going research into the improvement of micro-gas turbine propulsion system performance and the suitability for its application as propulsion systems for small tactical UAVs (<600 kg) is investigated. The study is focused around the concept of converting existing micro turbojet engines into turbofans with the use of a continuously variable gearbox, thus maintaining a single spool configuration and relative design simplicity. This is an effort to reduce the initial engine development cost, whilst improving the propulsive performance. The BMT 120 KS micro turbojet engine is selected for the performance evaluation of the conversion process using the gas turbine performance software GasTurb13. The preliminary design of a matched low-pressure compressor (LPC) for the proposed engine is then performed using meanline calculation methods. According to the analysis that is carried out, an improvement in the converted micro gas turbine engine performance, in terms of thrust and specific fuel consumption is achieved. Furthermore, with the introduction of a CVT gearbox, the fan speed operation may be adjusted independently of the core, allowing an increased thrust generation or better fuel consumption. This therefore enables a wider gamut of operating conditions and enhances the performance and scope of the tactical UAV.


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