Rotordynamic Coefficients for a Tooth-on-Stator Labyrinth Seal at 70 Bar Supply Pressures — Measurements Versus Theory and Comparisons to a Hole-Pattern Stator Seal

Author(s):  
Arthur Picardo ◽  
Dara W. Childs

Rotordynamic and leakage coefficients are presented for a labyrinth seal that was tested at a supply pressure of 70 bar-a and speeds up to 20200 rpm. Tests were conducted at clearances of 0.1mm and 0.2mm, pressure ratios of 0.10, 0.31 and 0.52, and three pre-swirls ratios. Comparisons are made between test data and predictions from one-control-volume and two-control-volume bulk-flow models. Generally, theoretical predictions agree poorly with the test results, with the one-control volume model giving better predictions. The one-control-volume model provides a conservative prediction for effective damping; i.e., this parameter is underestimated. Both models under predict leakage rates. Comparisons are also made between rotordynamic coefficients of labyrinth and hole-pattern seals.

2004 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 843-855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Picardo ◽  
Dara W. Childs

Rotor dynamic and leakage coefficients are presented for a labyrinth seal that was tested at a supply pressure of 70 bar-a and speeds up to 20,200 rpm. Tests were conducted at clearances of 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm, pressure ratios of 0.10, 0.31, and 0.52, and three preswirls ratios. Comparisons are made between test data and predictions from one-control-volume and two-control-volume bulk-flow models. Generally, theoretical predictions agree poorly with the test results, with the one-control volume model giving better predictions. The one-control-volume model provides a conservative prediction for effective damping; i.e., this parameter is underestimated. Both models under predict leakage rates. Comparisons are also made between rotordynamic coefficients of labyrinth and hole-pattern seals.


Author(s):  
Joseph M. Pelletti ◽  
Dara W. Childs

Abstract Experimental results for the rotordynamic coefficients of short (L/D = 1/6) teeth-on-stator and teeth-on-rotor labyrinth seals are presented. The effects that pressure ratio (fluid density), rotor speed, fluid pre-swirl and seal clearance have on these coefficients are studied. Tests were run out to speeds of 16000 rpm with a supply pressure of 17.3 bar and seal clearances ranging from 0.229–0.419 mm. The experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions of a two control volume compressible flow model. The experimental results show that decreases in pressure ratio and increases in rotor speed are stabilizing while increases in fluid pre-swirl and seal clearance are destabilizing for both seal configurations. The theoretical model correctly predicts the effects of pressure ratio, rotor speed and fluid pre-swirl on the cross-coupled stiffness. It also predicts reasonable values for direct damping for all test conditions. However, the theory incorrectly predicts the effect of seal clearance on these coefficients. Consequently the theoretical predictions are much better for the large clearance seals.


1989 ◽  
Vol 111 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry Hawkins ◽  
Dara Childs ◽  
Keith Hale

Experimental measurements are presented for the rotordynamic stiffness and damping coefficients of a teeth-on-rotor labyrinth seal with a honeycomb stator. Inlet circumferential velocity, inlet pressure, rotor speed, and seal clearance are primary variables. Results are compared to (a) data for teeth-on-rotor labyrinth seals with smooth stators, and (b) analytical predictions from a two-control-volume compressible flow model. The experimental results show that the honeycomb-stator configuration is more stable than the smooth-stator configuration at low rotor speeds. At high rotor speeds, the stator surface does not affect stability. The theoretical model predicts the cross-coupled stiffness of the honeycomb-stator seal correctly within 25 percent of measured values. The model provides accurate predictions of direct damping for large clearance seals; however, the model predictions and test results diverge with increasing running speed. Overall, the model does not perform as well for low clearance seals as for high clearance seals.


1988 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph K. Scharrer

The basic equations are derived for a two-control-volume model for compressible flow in a labyrinth seal. The recirculation velocity in the cavity is incorporated into the model for the first time. The flow is assumed to be completely turbulent and isoenergetic. The wall friction factors are determined using the Blasius formula. Jet flow theory is used for the calculation of the recirculation velocity in the cavity. Linearized zeroth and first-order perturbation equations are developed for small motion about a centered position by an expansion in the eccentricity ratio. The zeroth-order pressure distribution is found by satisfying the leakage equation while the circumferential velocity distribution is determined by satisfying the momentum equations. The first-order equations are solved by a separation of variable solution. Integration of the resultant pressure distribution along and around the seal defines the reaction force developed by the seal and the corresponding dynamic coefficients.


2002 ◽  
Vol 124 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Laurant ◽  
D. W. Childs

Test results are presented for the rotordynamic coefficients of a hybrid bearing that is representative of bearings for liquid-rocket-engine turbopump applications. The bearing is tested in the following two degraded conditions: (a) one of five orifices plugged, and (b) a locally enlarged clearance to simulate a worn condition. Test data are presented at 24,600 rpm, with supply pressures of 4.0, 5.5, and 7.0 MPa, and eccentricity ratios from 0.1 to 0.5 in 0.1 increments. Overall, the results suggest that neither a single plugged orifice nor significant wear on the bearing land will “disable” a well-designed hybrid bearing. These results do not speak to multiple plugged orifices and are not an endorsement for operations without filters to prevent plugging orifices.


Author(s):  
Joachim Schettel ◽  
Martin Deckner ◽  
Klaus Kwanka ◽  
Bernd Lu¨neburg ◽  
Rainer Nordmann

The main goal of this paper is to improve identification methods for rotordynamic coefficients of labseals for turbines. This aim was achieved in joint effort of the Technische Universita¨t Mu¨nchen, working on experimental identification methods for rotordynamic coefficients, the University of Technology, Darmstadt, working on prediction methods, and Siemens AG, realizing the results. The paper focuses on a short comb-grooved labyrinth seal. Short labseals, amongst others the above mentioned comb-grooved labyrinth, were examined. by means of a very accurately measuring test rig. The rotor was brought into statically eccentric positions relative to the stator, in order to measure the circumferential pressure distribution as a function of pressure, rotating speed and entrance swirl. The data collected were used to validate results obtained with a numerical method. The theoretical approach is based on a commercial CFD tool, which solves the Navier Stokes equations using numerical methods. As a result, a detailed model of the flow within the test rig is produced. The efforts of computation here are greater than when compared with the likewise wide-spread Bulk flow models, however improved accuracy and flexibility is expected. As the validation of the model is successful, it could then be used to gain further insight in the flow within the seal, and to understand the results better. This showed that rotordynamic coefficients of labseals gained from different test rigs are not necessarily comparable.


Author(s):  
Giuseppe Vannini ◽  
Manish R. Thorat ◽  
Dara W. Childs ◽  
Mirko Libraschi

A numerical model developed by Thorat & Childs [1] has indicated that the conventional frequency independent model for labyrinth seals is invalid for rotor surface velocities reaching a significant fraction of Mach 1. A theoretical one-control-volume (1CV) model based on a leakage equation that yields a reasonably good comparison with experimental results is considered in the present analysis. The numerical model yields frequency-dependent rotordynamic coefficients for the seal. Three real centrifugal compressors are analyzed to compare stability predictions with and without frequency-dependent labyrinth seal model. Three different compressor services are selected to have a comprehensive scenario in terms of pressure and molecular weight (MW). The molecular weight is very important for Mach number calculation and consequently for the frequency dependent nature of the coefficients. A hydrogen recycle application with MW around 8, a natural gas application with MW around 18, and finally a propane application with molecular weight around 44 are selected for this comparison. Useful indications on the applicability range of frequency dependent coefficients are given.


1989 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Childs ◽  
D. Elrod ◽  
K. Hale

Test results are presented for leakage and rotordynamic coefficients for seven honeycomb seals. All seals have the same radius, length, and clearance; however, the cell depths and diameters are varied. Rotordynamic data, which are presented, consist of the direct and cross-coupled stiffness coefficients and the direct damping coefficients. The rotordynamic-coefficient data show a considerable sensitivity to changes in cell dimensions; however, no clear trends are identifiable. Comparisons of test data for the honeycomb seals with labyrinth and smooth annular seals shows the honeycomb seal had the best sealing (minimum leakage) performance, followed in order by the labyrinth and smooth seals. For prerotated fluids entering the seal, in the direction of shaft rotation, the honeycomb seal has the best rotordynamic stability followed in order by the labyrinth and smooth. For no prerotation, or fluid prerotation against shaft rotation, the labyrinth seal has the best rotordynamic stability followed in order by the smooth and honeycomb seals.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henryk Bieliński

AbstractThe current paper presents the experimental validation of the generalized model of the two-phase thermosyphon loop. The generalized model is based on mass, momentum, and energy balances in the evaporators, rising tube, condensers and the falling tube. The theoretical analysis and the experimental data have been obtained for a new designed variant. The variant refers to a thermosyphon loop with both minichannels and conventional tubes. The thermosyphon loop consists of an evaporator on the lower vertical section and a condenser on the upper vertical section. The one-dimensional homogeneous and separated two-phase flow models were used in calculations. The latest minichannel heat transfer correlations available in literature were applied. A numerical analysis of the volumetric flow rate in the steady-state has been done. The experiment was conducted on a specially designed test apparatus. Ultrapure water was used as a working fluid. The results show that the theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the measured volumetric flow rate at steady-state.


Author(s):  
Kyuho Sim ◽  
Bonjin Koo ◽  
Jong Sung Lee ◽  
Tae Ho Kim

This paper presents the rotordynamic performance measurements and model predictions of a rotor supported on three-pad gas foil journal bearings (GFJBs) with various mechanical preloads. The rotor with its length of 240 mm, diameter of 40 mm, and weight of 19.6 N is supported on two GFJBs and one pair of gas foil thrust bearings (GFTBs), being a permanent magnet rotor of a high speed electric motor. Each bearing pad consisting of a top foil and a bump-strip layer is installed on a lobed bearing housing surface over the arc length of 120 deg along the circumference. Test three-pad GFJBs have four different mechanical preloads, i.e., 0 μm, 50 μm, 70 μm, 100 μm with a common radial nominal clearance of 150 μm. A series of speed-up tests are conducted up to 93 krpm to evaluate the effects of increasing mechanical preloads on the rotordynamic performance. Two sets of orthogonally positioned displacement sensors record the rotor horizontal and vertical motions at the thrust collar and the other end. Test results show that the filtered synchronous amplitudes change little, but the onset speed of subsynchronous motions (OSS) increases dramatically for the increasing mechanical preloads. In addition, test bearings with the 100 μm preload show a higher OSS in load-on-pad (LOP) condition than that in load-between-pads (LBP) condition. A comparison with test results for a one-pad GFJB with a single top foil and bump-strip layer reveals that three-pad GFJB has superior rotordynamic performance to the one-pad one. Finally, the test data benchmark against linear rotordynamic predictions to validate a rotor-GFJB model. In general, predicted natural frequencies of the rotor-bearing system and synchronous rotor motions agree well with test data. However, stability analyses underestimate OSSs recorded during the experimental tests.


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