High-Pressure Pocket Damper Seals: Leakage Rates and Cavity Pressures

2006 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 826-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed M. Gamal ◽  
Bugra H. Ertas ◽  
John M. Vance
Keyword(s):  
High Pressures ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Rotordynamic Coefficients ◽  
Numerical Predictions ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Mass Flow Rates ◽  
Direct Stiffness ◽  
Stiffness And Damping

The turbomachinery component of interest in this paper, the pocket damper seal, has the dual purpose of limiting leakage and providing an additional source of damping at the seal location. The rotordynamic coefficients of these seals (primarily the direct stiffness and damping) are highly dependent on the leakage rates through the seals and the pressures in the seals’ cavities. This paper presents both numerical predictions and experimentally obtained results for the leakage and the cavity pressures of pocket damper seals operating at high pressures. The seals were tested with air, at pressures up to 1000psi(6.92MPa), as the working fluid. Earlier flow-prediction models were modified and used to obtain theoretical reference values for both mass flow rates and pressures. Leakage and static pressure measurements on straight-through and diverging-clearance configurations of eight-bladed and twelve-bladed seals were used for code validation and for calculation of seal discharge coefficients. Higher than expected leakage rates were measured in the case of the twelve-bladed seal, while the leakage rates for the eight-bladed seals were predicted with reasonable accuracy. Differences in the axial pitch lengths of the cavities and the blade profiles of the seals are used to explain the discrepancy in the case of the twelve-bladed seal. The analysis code used also predicted the static cavity pressures reasonably well. Tests conducted on a six-bladed pocket damper seal to further investigate the effect of blade profile supported the results of the eight-bladed and twelve-bladed seal tests and matched theoretical predictions with satisfactory accuracy.

High-Pressure Pocket Damper Seals: Leakage Rates and Cavity Pressures

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed M. Gamal ◽  
Bugra H. Ertas ◽  
John M. Vance
Keyword(s):  
High Pressures ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Rotordynamic Coefficients ◽  
Numerical Predictions ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Mass Flow Rates ◽  
Direct Stiffness ◽  
Stiffness And Damping

The turbomachinery component of interest in this paper, the pocket damper seal, has the dual purpose of limiting leakage and providing an additional source of damping at the seal location. The rotordynamic coefficients of these seals (primarily the direct stiffness and damping) are highly dependent on the leakage rates through the seals and the pressures in the seals’ cavities. This paper presents both numerical predictions and experimentally obtained results for the leakage and the cavity pressures of pocket damper seals operating at high pressures. The seals were tested with air, at pressures up to 1000 Psi (6.92 MPa), as the working fluid. Earlier flow-prediction models were modified and used to obtain theoretical reference values for both mass flow-rates and pressures. Leakage and static pressure measurements on straight-through and diverging-clearance configurations of eight-bladed and twelve-bladed seals were used for code validation and for calculation of seal discharge coefficients. Higher than expected leakage rates were measured in the case of the twelve-bladed seal, while the leakage rates for the eight-bladed seals were predicted with reasonable accuracy. Differences in the axial pitch lengths of the cavities and the blade profiles of the seals are used to explain the discrepancy in the case of the twelve-bladed seal. The analysis code used also predicted the static cavity pressures reasonably well. Tests conducted on a six-bladed pocket damper seal to further investigate the effect of blade profile supported the results of the eight-bladed and twelve-bladed seal tests and matched theoretical predictions with satisfactory accuracy.

Measurement of Rotordynamic Coefficients for a Hydrostatic Radial Bearing

1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 518-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. T. Murphy ◽  
M. N. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Hydrostatic Pressure ◽  
Rotational Speed ◽  
Sole Source ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Test Apparatus ◽  
Matrix Solution ◽  
Rotordynamic Coefficients ◽  
Direct Stiffness ◽  
Stiffness And Damping

Measurement of rotordynamic coefficients is presented for a pair of hydrostatic radial bearings, including direct and cross-coupled stiffness and damping. Two different hydrostatic configurations were tested: (1) an externally fed bearing 74.7 mm (2.95 in.) in diameter with a nominal direct stiffness of approximately 210 MN/m (1.2 million lb/in.) and (2) an internally fed bearing 54.6 mm (2.15 in.) in diameter with a nominal direct stiffness of approximately 88 MN/m (0.5 million lb/in.). Each bearing had 6 equally spaced hydrostatic pressure pockets, stationary for the externally fed bearing and rotating for the internally fed bearing. Also, both bearings had extended exit regions to provide additional damping. The top rotational speed was 22,700 rpm and the maximum axial Reynolds number was 50,000 using a freon derivative, Freon-113, as the working fluid. The test apparatus was a “synchronous rig” as an intentionally eccentric journal was used as the sole source of excitation. Data reduction was done by performing a matrix solution to separate damping from stiffness. Results show the internally fed bearing to be 20 percent less stiff than predicted, and to have a significant amount of damping which agrees well with predictions. The internally fed bearing was found to be approximately 60 percent less stiff than predicted, and to be roughly neutral in terms of damping, as predicted.

Turbulent Flow, Flexure-Pivot Hybrid Bearings for Cryogenic Applications

1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 190-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis San Andres
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Energy Transport ◽  
Load Capacity ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Liquid Oxygen ◽  
Hydrodynamic Bearings ◽  
Numerical Predictions ◽  
Tilting Pad ◽  
Direct Stiffness ◽  
Stiffness And Damping

The thermal analysis of flexure-pivot tilting-pad hybrid (combination hydrostatic-hydrodynamic) bearings for cryogenic turbopumps is presented. The advantages of this type of bearing for high speed operation are discussed. Turbulent bulk-flow, variable properties, momentum and energy transport equations of motion govern the flow in the bearing pads. Zeroth-order equations for the flow field at a journal equilibrium position render the bearing flow rate, load capacity, drag torque, and temperature rise. First-order equations for perturbed flow fields due to small amplitude journal motions provide rotordynamic force coefficients. A method to determine the tilting-pad moment coefficients from the force displacement coefficients is outlined. Numerical predictions correlate well with experimental measurements for tilting-pad hydrodynamic bearings. The design of a liquid oxygen, flexure-pad hybrid bearing shows a reduced whirl frequency ratio and without loss in load capacity or reduction in direct stiffness and damping coefficients.

Thermohydrodynamic Analysis of Process-Liquid Hydrostatic Journal Bearings in Turbulent Regime, Part II: Numerical Solution and Results

1995 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 679-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhou Yang ◽  
L. San Andres ◽  
D. W. Childs
Keyword(s):  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Nonlinear Differential Equations ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Turbulent Regime ◽  
Fluid Temperature ◽  
Numerical Predictions ◽  
Exit Temperature ◽  
Direct Stiffness ◽  
Stiffness And Damping ◽  
Good Agreement

A finite difference scheme is implemented to solve the nonlinear differential equations describing the turbulent bulk-flow on the film lands of a hydrostatic journal bearing (HJB). A Newton-Raphson scheme is used to update the recess pressures and to satisfy the mass continuity requirement at each bearing recess. Comparisons of numerical predictions from the thermohydrodynamic (THD) model with experimental measurements of mass flow rate, fluid temperature, and static stiffness coefficient from a LH2 test HJB article show very good agreement. In particular, the exit temperature of the bearing is lower than the supply temperature; i.e., the liquid temperature decreases along the bearing length. Similar values of direct stiffness and damping coefficients are predicted by the adiabatic THD model and other considering isothermal flow characteristics. However, the THD model predicts lower cross-coupled stiffness and whirl frequency ratio (WFR < 0.5). The results show that for the application presented, the LH2 hydrostatic bearing is more stable than previously thought.

Rotordynamic Coefficients for Compressible Flow in Tapered Annular Seals

1985 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. C. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Compressible Flow ◽  
Flow Model ◽  
Space Shuttle ◽  
Governing Equations ◽  
First Order ◽  
Rotordynamic Coefficients ◽  
Annular Seal ◽  
Direct Stiffness ◽  
Stiffness And Damping ◽  
Main Engine

Derivation of the governing equations for compressible flow in a tapered annular seal is based on Hirs’ turbulent bulk-flow model. Zeroth and first-order perturbation equations are developed by an expansion in the eccentricity ratio. These equations are numerically integrated to obtain the leakage, and the direct and cross-coupled stiffness and damping coefficients. Seal parameters similar to the Space Shuttle Main Engine High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump are used to demonstrate output from the analysis procedure. The effects of preswirl and seal taper are shown for three different length-to-diameter ratios. Generally the results indicate that prerotating the fluid significantly increases the cross-coupled stiffness but has little effect on the other coefficients, and increasing the convergent taper increases the direct stiffness while decreasing the direct damping and cross-coupled stiffness.

The Effects of Converging and Diverging Axial Taper on the Rotordynamic Coefficients of Liquid Annular Pressure Seals: Theory Versus Experiment

1995 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Todd Lindsey ◽  
Dara W. Childs
Keyword(s):  
Turbulent Flow ◽  
Qualitative Agreement ◽  
Running Speed ◽  
Taper Angle ◽  
Rotordynamic Coefficients ◽  
Rotation Rates ◽  
Damping Coefficients ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Theory Versus ◽  
Direct Stiffness

Experimental results are compared to predictions for turbulent flow, short (D=76.2mm,L/D=.17), smooth annular seals with converging and diverging axial taper. Results are presented for four geometries with the same minimum clearances: two convergent, two divergent, and a constant-clearance. Measurements were taken at seal pressure differentials and shaft rotation rates ranging from 1.34 to 3.54 MPa and 10,200 to 24,600 rpm, respectively. Measurements parameters include leakage, direct stiffness, cross-coupled stiffness, and direct damping coefficients. Results show that direct stiffness generally increases with converging axial taper and decreases with diverging axial taper; however, direct stiffness decreases in the first increase in the taper angle, contrary to predictions. Direct damping and cross-coupled stiffness were shown to decrease with increasing convergent or divergent taper. Measured damping values increase with increased running speed and decreasing average clearance. Theoretical predictions for rotordynamic coefficients are in reasonable qualitative agreement with measured results. The theory consistently underpredicts leakage by ranges of 10∼30 percent. The accuracy of predictions for leakage and rotordynamic coefficients was not influenced by running speed. [S0739-3717(00)70102-4]

The Effects of Converging and Diverging Axial Taper on the Rotordynamic Coefficients of Liquid Annular Pressure Seals: Theory Versus Experiment

1995 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Todd Lindsey ◽  
Dara W. Childs
Keyword(s):  
Turbulent Flow ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Running Speed ◽  
Rotordynamic Coefficients ◽  
Rotation Rates ◽  
Damping Coefficients ◽  
Shaft Rotation ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Theory Versus ◽  
Direct Stiffness

Abstract Experimental results are compared to predictions for turbulent flow, short (D = 76.2mm, L/D = .17), smooth annular seals with converging and diverging axial taper. Results are presented for four geometries: two convergent, two divergent, and a constant-clearance. Measurements were taken at seal pressure differentials and shaft rotation rates ranging from 1.34 to 3.54 MPa and 10,200 to 24,600 rpm, respectively. Measurements parameters include leakage, direct stiffness, cross-coupled stiffness, and direct damping coefficients. Results show that direct stiffness generally increases with converging axial taper and decreases with diverging axial taper. Direct damping and cross-coupled stiffness were shown to decrease with increasing convergent or divergent taper. Measured damping values increase with increased running speed and decreasing average clearance. Theoretical predictions for rotordynamic coefficients are in good overall agreement with measured results. The theory consistently underpredicts leakage by ranges of 10 ∼ 30%. The accuracy of predictions for leakage and rotordynamic coefficients was not influenced by running speed.

Analysis of the Experimental and CFD-Based Theoretical Methods for Studying Rotordynamic Characteristics of Labyrinth Gas Seals

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander O. Pugachev ◽  
Martin Deckner
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Theoretical Methods ◽  
Rotordynamic Coefficients ◽  
Stiffness Coefficients ◽  
Dynamic Methods ◽  
Inlet Swirl ◽  
Direct Stiffness ◽  
Gas Seals ◽  
Stiffness And Damping

This paper presents an analysis of the experimental and theoretical methods used to study rotordynamic characteristics of short staggered labyrinth gas seal. Two experimental identification procedures referred to as static and dynamic methods are presented. The static method allows determining direct and cross-coupled stiffness coefficients of the seal by integrating measured circumferential pressure distribution in cavities at various shaft eccentric positions. In the dynamic method, identification of stiffness and damping coefficients is based on the rotor excitation using a magnetic actuator and utilizes the effect of alternation of rotor vibrations due to aerodynamic forces acting in the seal. The experimental results obtained by the static and dynamic methods demonstrate an apparent discrepancy most of all in the direct stiffness coefficients. A CFD-based model of the seal is used to predict rotordynamic coefficients and to analyze the discrepancies between the static and dynamic measurements. The seal forces are calculated in two ways similar to the experimental procedures. The predictions are in good agreement with experimental results obtained by both measurement techniques. The effects of pressure differential, inlet swirl, shaft rotational speed, shaft eccentricity, and inflow cavity on seal stiffness and damping are presented. The discrepancies between different methods must be kept in mind while studying rotordynamic characteristics of seals.

LDV Measurements of Turbulent Stresses in Radial Turbine Guide Vanes

1990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Eroglu ◽  
Widen Tabakoff
Keyword(s):  
Flow Direction ◽  
Suction Surface ◽  
Guide Vanes ◽  
Numerical Predictions ◽  
Radial Turbine ◽  
Flow Mixing ◽  
Contour Plots ◽  
Mass Flow Rates ◽  
Ion Laser ◽  
End Wall

The results of Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurements, in particular, turbulent stresses in radial turbine guide vanes are presented in this paper, in order to provide experimental data for the numerical predictions. The flow velocities were measured at upstream, inside and downstream of the guide vanes for two different mass flow rates (0.2 lb/s “0.0907 kg/s” and 0.3 lb/s “0.1361 kg/s”) using a two-component LDV system. The results are presented as contour plots of turbulent stresses. The LDV system consists of a 5 watt argon-ion laser, the seeding particle atomizer, the optical and the data acquisition systems. The optical components were arranged in the backward scatter mode to measure two orthogonal velocity components simultaneously. Frequency shifts were used on both components to determine the flow direction. The results indicate a significant transport of higher turbulence fluid into the suction surface-end wall corner by the end wall cross flows inside the passage. High turbulent stress gradients show that there is considerable flow mixing downstream of the flow passages. Turbulence was found to be locally anisotropic everywhere.

Experimental and Theoretical Rotordynamic Characteristics of a Hybrid Journal Bearing

1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Sawicki ◽  
R. J. Capaldi ◽  
M. L. Adams
Keyword(s):  
Journal Bearing ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Dynamic Force ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Force Measurements ◽  
Lubrication Equation ◽  
Load Cells ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Stiffness And Damping

This paper describes an experimental and theoretical investigation of a four-pocket, oil-fed, orifice-compensated hydrostatic bearing including the hybrid effects of journal rotation. The test apparatus incorporates a double-spool-shaft spindle which permits independent control over the journal spin speed and the frequency of an adjustable-magnitude circular orbit, for both forward and backward whirling. This configuration yields data that enables determination of the full linear anisotropic rotordynamic model. The dynamic force measurements were made simultaneously with two independent systems, one with piezoelectric load cells and the other with strain gage load cells. Theoretical predictions are made for the same configuration and operating conditions as the test matrix using a finite-difference solver of Reynolds lubrication equation. The computational results agree well with test results, theoretical predictions of stiffness and damping coefficients are typically within thirty percent of the experimental results.

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