scholarly journals Continued Experimental Study on the Friction Contact between a Labyrinth Seal Fin and a Honeycomb Stator: Slanted Position

Aerospace ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Munz ◽  
Tim Pychynski ◽  
Corina Schwitzke ◽  
Hans-Jörg Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Labyrinth Seal ◽  
Contact Forces ◽  
Strong Interactions ◽  
Metal Foil ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Contact Conditions ◽  
Leakage Flows ◽  
Eu Project ◽  
And Control ◽  
Cooling Air

Labyrinth seals are a state-of-the-art sealing technology to prevent and control leakage flows at rotor–stator interfaces in turbomachinery. Higher pressure ratios and the economical use of cooling air require small clearances, which lead to potential rubbing events. The use of honeycomb liners allows for minimal leakage by tolerating rub events to a certain extent. A previous study within an EU project investigated the complex contact conditions of honeycomb liners, with the idealized contact of a seal fin and a single parallel metal foil representing the honeycomb double foil section. In the present work, the results for the slanted foil position are shown and compared to the previous results. The variation of rub velocity, incursion speed, incursion rate, and seal geometry in a test rig allows for the identification of the influence on contact forces, temperatures, and wear. For the slanted position, significantly lower friction temperatures are observed, leading to a higher ratio of abrasive wear. Overall, the rub test results demonstrate strong interactions between the contact forces, friction temperatures, and wear.

Experimental Study on the Friction Contact Between a Labyrinth Seal Fin and a Honeycomb Stator

2015 ◽  
Vol 138 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Pychynski ◽  
Corina Höfler ◽  
Hans-Jörg Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Friction Velocity ◽  
Wear Behavior ◽  
Labyrinth Seal ◽  
Contact Forces ◽  
Metal Foil ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Friction Temperature ◽  
Rubbing Behavior ◽  
Set Up

This paper presents results from an extensive experimental study on the rubbing behavior of labyrinth seal fins (SFs) and a honeycomb liner. The objective of the present work is to improve the understanding of the rub behavior of labyrinth seals by quantifying the effects and interactions of sliding speed, incursion rate, seal geometry, and SF rub position on the honeycomb liner. In order to reduce the complexity of the friction system studied, this work focuses on the contact between a single SF and a single metal foil. The metal foil is positioned in parallel to the SF to represent contact between the SF and the honeycomb double foil section. A special test rig was set up enabling the radial incursion of a metal foil into a rotating labyrinth SF at a defined incursion rate of up to 0.65 mm/s and friction velocities up to 165 m/s. Contact forces, friction temperatures, and wear were measured during or after the rub event. In total, 88 rub tests including several repetitions of each rub scenario have been conducted to obtain a solid data base. The results show that rub forces are mainly a function of the rub parameters incursion rate and friction velocity. Overall, the results demonstrate a strong interaction between contact forces, friction temperature, and wear behavior of the rub system. The presented tests confirm basic qualitative observations regarding blade rubbing provided in literature.

Experimental Study on the Friction Contact Between a Labyrinth Seal Fin and a Honeycomb Stator

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Pychynski ◽  
Corina Höfler ◽  
Hans-Jörg Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Friction Velocity ◽  
Wear Behavior ◽  
Labyrinth Seal ◽  
Contact Forces ◽  
Metal Foil ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Friction Temperature ◽  
Rubbing Behavior ◽  
Set Up

This paper presents results from an extensive experimental study on the rubbing behavior of labyrinth seal fins and a honeycomb liner. The objective of the present work is to improve the understanding of the rub behavior of labyrinth seals by quantifying the effects and interactions of sliding speed, incursion rate, seal geometry and seal fin rub position on the honeycomb liner. In order to reduce the complexity of the friction system studied, this work focuses on the contact between a single seal fin and a single metal foil. The metal foil is positioned in parallel to the seal fin to represent contact between the seal fin and the honeycomb double foil section. A special test rig was set up enabling the radial incursion of a metal foil into a rotating labyrinth seal fin at a defined incursion rate of up to 0.65 mm/s and friction velocities up to 165 m/s. Contact forces, friction temperatures and wear were measured during or after the rub event. In total, 88 rub tests including several repetitions of each rub scenario have been conducted to obtain a solid data base. The results show that rub forces are mainly a function of the rub parameters incursion rate and friction velocity. Overall, the results demonstrate a strong interaction between contact forces, friction temperature and wear behavior of the rub system. The presented tests confirm basic qualitative observations regarding blade rubbing provided in literature.

Experimental Investigation on the Rubbing Process of Labyrinth Seals Considering the Material Combination

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Hühn ◽  
Oliver Munz ◽  
Corina Schwitzke ◽  
Hans-Jörg Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Contact Forces ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Process Data ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Material Combination ◽  
Higher Temperature ◽  
And Control

Abstract Labyrinth seals are used to prevent and control the mass flow rate between rotating components. Due to thermally and mechanically induced expansions during operation and transient flight maneuvers, a contact, the so-called rubbing process, between rotor and stator cannot be excluded. A large amount of rubbing process data concerning numerical and experimental investigations is available in public literature as well as at the Institute of Thermal Turbomachinery (ITS). The investigations were carried out for different operating conditions, material combinations, and component geometries. In combination with the experiments presented in this paper, the effects of the different variables on load due to rubbing are compared, and discussed with the focus lying on the material combination. The influence of the material on the loads can be identified as detailed as never before. For example, the contact forces in the current experiments are higher due to a higher temperature resistance of Young’s modulus. The analysis will also be based on the rubbing of turbine blades. Design guidelines are derived for labyrinth seals with improved properties regarding tolerance of rub events. Based on the knowledge obtained, guidelines for designing reliable labyrinth seals for future engines are discussed.

Performance evaluation of the inter-stage labyrinth seal for different tooth positions in an axial compressor

2017 ◽  
Vol 232 (6) ◽  
pp. 579-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaozhi Kong ◽  
Gaowen Liu ◽  
Yuxin Liu ◽  
Zhao Lei ◽  
Longxi Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Labyrinth Seal ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Rotating Disc ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Leakage Flows ◽  
Sealing Performance ◽  
Set Up

Labyrinth seals are normally used to control the leakage flow in the compressor stator well. The upstream and downstream rotor-stator cavities of the labyrinth seal can cause complex reverse leakage flows. Remarkable temperature increases and high swirl velocities are observed in this region. In addition, another characteristic of inter-stage labyrinth seal is that large expansions of rotor and stator may easily lead to severely rubbing between the teeth and shrouds, which can shorten the lifetime of the compressor obviously. Experiments were conducted at a rotating compressor inter-stage seal test facility. Different labyrinth rings were tested to compare the performances of inter-stage labyrinth seals with different tooth positions. Leakage flow rates, windage heating and swirl ratios in the outlet cavity were measured at different rotating speeds and pressure ratios. In order to get the working tip clearance accurately, the set up tip clearance was measured with plug gauges, while the radial displacements of rotating disc and stationary casing were measured separately with two high precision laser distance sensors. Numerical simulations were carried out to present the important flow physics responsible for the effects of different tooth positions. In this article, performances of different cases for single, double and triple teeth were investigated and the experimental data provide a new way for the design of inter-stage seals. This method can reduce the leakage flow and avoid severely rubbing at the same time by changing axial positions of teeth in the stator well. When teeth are placed downstream of the model and the tooth pitch is larger, the inter-stage seal would have better sealing performance. For triple teeth cases, N = 3-Case1 has the lowest discharge coefficients, 15% less than that of N = 3-Baseline.

Effect of Air-Curtains on Labyrinth Seal Performance

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aakash C. Rai ◽  
Deoras Prabhudharwadkar ◽  
Sunil Murthy ◽  
Andrew Giametta ◽  
David Johns
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Cross Flow ◽  
Labyrinth Seal ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Air Curtain ◽  
Baseline Design ◽  
Leakage Flows ◽  
Seal Design ◽  
Parametric Studies ◽  
Secondary Air

Labyrinth seals are used in many key sealing locations in gas turbines to control various leakage flows, e.g., to control the secondary air-flow from the compressor (bypassing the combustor), the turbine inter-stage leakages and blade tip leakages. This study was performed to assess the improvement in the performance of a labyrinth seal by using an air-curtain (cross-flow jet(s)) from the stator. Detailed parametric studies were performed to study the effect of the air-curtain jet pressure, location, and the number of jets on the seal performance with respect to the leakage flow. The analysis was done using 2-dimensional axisymmetric CFD simulations. It was found that in the case of a labyrinth seal with a flat stator (without a honeycomb attached to the stator) the air-curtain design can reduce the seal leakage by about 30% over the baseline seal design without air-curtains. This reduction happened because the air-curtain jet deflected the main seal jet away from the seal clearance. A similar conclusion was also obtained in case of a labyrinth seal with a honeycombed stator. Furthermore, our parametric studies with different air-curtain designs parameters implemented over a honeycombed labyrinth seal showed that the air-curtain jet pressure, location, and the number of jets were crucial factors governing the seal leakage. Amongst the air-curtain designs studied, it was found that implementing three air-curtains in the 1st pocket gave the maximum leakage reduction (by about 50%) over the baseline design.

Influence of Honeycomb Land Geometry on Seal Performance

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Frączek ◽  
Krzysztof Bochon ◽  
Włodzimierz Wróblewski
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Labyrinth Seal ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Leakage Flows ◽  
Ansys Cfx ◽  
Cell Shapes ◽  
Geometrical Data ◽  
Three Dimensional Models

The aim of this study was to identify the best structures of the honeycomb (or structures used instead of it) that can be applied to a seal cavity labyrinth in order to improve the sealing performance. The problem was investigated numerically using the ANSYS CFX commercial software. The paper presents geometrical data concerning the proposed solutions to the labyrinth seal land structure. A simple straight-through labyrinth geometry with two leaned fins is analysed. Such a simple structure of the flow conditions was chosen to reduce the influence of other effects on the seal performance. Three-dimensional models of the labyrinth seal were elaborated for each honeycomb or honeycomb-like land structure. The following concepts were analysed: an inclination of the honeycomb cells, a land with different cell shapes (squeezed honeycomb) and honeycomb cells filled with a porous material. The labyrinth seals with different land structures were compared with two reference cases: a seal with a standard honeycomb land (with 1/8-inch cell size) and a seal with a smooth land. Calculations were performed for the pressure ratio values ranging from 1.08 to 1.8 and for varied sizes of the clearance. Main parameters of the leakage flows are discussed. Additionally, the influence of the inlet narrowing on the seal performance is investigated. A qualitative assessment of the seal concepts is made and the most promising solutions are pointed out.

Experimental Investigation of the Total Temperature Increase and Swirl Development in Rotating Labyrinth Seals

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Denecke ◽  
K. Dullenkopf ◽  
S. Wittig ◽  
H.-J. Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Temperature Increase ◽  
Labyrinth Seal ◽  
Laser Doppler Velocimeter ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Total Temperature ◽  
Discharge Behavior ◽  
Cooling Air ◽  
Rotor Dynamic

Labyrinth seals are widely used as reliable components in many areas of turbo machines, e.g. the cooling air system in gas turbines. While the discharge behavior is generally well predictable, the uncertainty predicting the exit circumferential velocity (exit-swirl) and the total temperature increase due to internal losses (windage heating) is comparably large. In order to evaluate analytical correlations and for the validation of numerical simulations convergent and divergent stepped labyrinth seals were investigated experimentally. The change in total temperature across the labyrinth seal was measured in a test rig capable to establish different rotational speeds, pressure ratios and various inlet swirls. In an engine, honeycomb abrasive liners on the stator protect the seal fins. To simulate real engine conditions honeycombs were applied in the test setup, too and the influence of these liners on the windage heating was compared to smooth stator configurations. Detailed velocity profiles within the seal chambers were determined using a 2D Laser-Doppler-Velocimeter. Additionally, the ability of axisymmetric numerical k-ε simulations to predict the data was evaluated. The present study provides important data for the design of future turbo machines, because the exact knowledge of the labyrinth seal exit swirl and temperature is expected to further improve the design of downstream components such as the pre-swirl system. Additionally, more accurate boundary conditions for the thermal analysis will be available and the rotor dynamic stability of the seal can be estimated better.

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE RUBBING PROCESS OF LABYRINTH SEALS CONSIDERING THE MATERIAL COMBINATION

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lisa Hühn ◽  
Oliver Munz ◽  
Corina Schwitzke ◽  
Hans-Jörg Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Contact Forces ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Process Data ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Material Combination ◽  
Higher Temperature ◽  
And Control

Abstract Labyrinth seals are used to prevent and control the mass flow rate between rotating components. Due to thermally and mechanically induced expansions during operation and transient flight maneuvers, a contact, the so-called rubbing process, between rotor and stator cannot be excluded. A large amount of rubbing process data concerning numerical and experimental investigations is available in public literature as well as at the Institute of Thermal Turbomachinery (ITS). The investigations were carried out for different operating conditions, material combinations, and component geometries. In combination with the experiments presented in this paper, the effects of the different variables on load due to rubbing are compared, and discussed with the focus lying on the material combination. The influence of the material on the loads can be identified as detailed as never before. For example, the contact forces in the current experiments are higher due to a higher temperature resistance of Young's modulus. The analysis will also be based on the rubbing of turbine blades. Design guidelines are derived for labyrinth seals with improved properties regarding tolerance of rub events. Based on the knowledge obtained, guidelines for designing reliable labyrinth seals for future engines are discussed.

Labyrinth-Seal Leakage Analysis

1959 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Zabriskie ◽  
B. Sternlicht
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
Labyrinth Seal ◽  
Leakage Flow ◽  
Steam Turbines ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Gas Leakage ◽  
Leakage Flows ◽  
Seal Design ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
The Subject

The leakage flow through labyrinth seals in turbomachinery has been the subject of increasing concern as refinements and advances in design are made. Accurate knowledge of seal leakage is necessary in at least three areas of design: (a) Estimating the effect of seal leakage on performance; (b) regulating the leakage flow required for cooling purposes; (c) determining the thrust-bearing load which is a function of the pressure drop through the seal. This paper is concerned primarily with the fluid-flow aspect of gas leakage through labyrinth seals of the types commonly used in gas and steam turbines. This includes staggered and unstaggered seals of the axial type, which are most commonly used in turbomachinery. The attention to fluid-flow considerations does not imply that material compatibility and operating problems of expansion, deformation, and rub-in are unimportant. In fact, these mechanical considerations may overrule the fluid-flow considerations. For the foregoing reasons, it is desirable to be able to predict seal leakage flows, and thus this aspect of seal design has been singled out for consideration here.

Influence of a Honeycomb Facing on the Flow Through a Stepped Labyrinth Seal

2000 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Schramm ◽  
K. Willenborg ◽  
S. Kim ◽  
S. Wittig
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Labyrinth Seal ◽  
Honeycomb Structure ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Labyrinth Seals ◽  
Numerical Predictions ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Aero Engines

This paper reports numerical predictions and measurements of the flow field in a stepped labyrinth seal. The theoretical work and the experimental investigations were successfully combined to gain a comprehensive understanding of the flow patterns existing in such elements. In order to identify the influence of the honeycomb structure, a smooth stator as well as a seal configuration with a honeycomb facing mounted on the stator wall were investigated. The seal geometry is representative of typical three-step labyrinth seals of modern aero engines. The flow field was predicted using a commercial finite volume code with the standard k-ε turbulence model. The computational grid includes the basic seal geometry as well as the three-dimensional honeycomb structures.

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