Calculating Rotordynamic Coefficients of Seals by Finite-Difference Techniques

Abstract

For modelling the turbulent flow in a seal the Navier-Stokes equations in connection with a turbulence model (k-ε-model) are solved by a finite-difference method. A motion of the shaft around the centered position is assumed. After calculating the corresponding flow field and the pressure distribution, the rotordynamic coefficients of the seal can be determined. These coefficients are compared with results obtained by using the bulk flow theory of Childs [1] and with experimental results.