Measurements Versus Predictions for the Dynamic Impedance of Annular Gas Seals—Part II: Smooth and Honeycomb Geometries

Abstract

Results are presented from tests conducted using an experimental test facility to measure the leakage and dynamic impedance of smooth and honeycomb straight-bore annular gas seals. The test seals had a 114.3 mm (4.500 in.) bore with a length-to-diameter ratio of 0.75 and a nominal radial clearance of 0.19 mm (0.0075 in.). The honeycomb cell depth for both seals was 3.10 mm (0.122 in.), and the cell width was 0.79 mm (0.031 in.). Dynamic impedance and leakage measurements are reported using air at three supply pressures out to 1.72 Mpa (250 psi), three speeds out to 20,200 rpm, and exit-to-inlet pressure ratios of 40% and 50%. Comparisons to the predictions from the two-control-volume model of Kleynhans and Childs [1] are of particular interest. This model predicts that honeycomb seals do not fit the conventional frequency independent model for smooth annular gas seals. The experimental results verify this new theory. Numerical predictions from a computer program incorporating the new two-control-volume model of Kleynhans and Childs [1] correlate well with both measured seal leakage and dynamic impedances for the honeycomb seals.