Dynamic Force and Moment Coefficients for Short Length Annular Seals

Abstract

Close form expressions for the dynamic force and moment coefficients in short length annular pressure seals operating at the concentric and aligned position are derived. The analysis considers fully developed turbulent flow within the seal and determines a set of ordinary differential equations for the bulk-flow field due to perturbations in rotor displacements and angular motions. The flow equations are solved exactly for seals of short length where dynamic variations in circumferential velocity are neglected. The analytical solution derived is simple and reasonably accurate for seals of length to diameter ratios (L/D) as large as 0.5 as comparisons with results from full-scale numerical solutions show. The formulae presented are practical for use in preliminary design stages and parametric studies of dynamic seal performance.