| dc.description.abstract | This thesis provides experimental static and dynamic results for four pairs of
seals, including a pair of smooth seals and three pairs of centrally grooved seals. The
grooved seals have groove depth to clearance ratios (Dg/C) of 5, 10, and 15. The radial
clearance of each test seal is 0.0891 mm. Test conditions include three shaft rotational
speeds from 4000 to 10000 rpm, three inlet oil pressures from 24 to 70 bars, and seal
dimensionless eccentricities from 0 (centered) to 0.7. For each pair of test seals, dynamic
results include stiffness and damping coefficients; static results include stator position,
attitude angles, and seal leakage. Stiffness, damping, and leakage are compared among
the seal pairs with various groove depths. Results show that all rotordynamic coefficients
consistently decrease with increasing seal groove depths, and seal leakage remains
constant through varying groove depths. Additionally, a comparison is made between
experimental results of all test seals and XLLubeGT. XLLubeGT is a computer model
developed at Texas A&M University, which uses a Reynolds equation + energy equation
model to predict dynamic performance of a grooved seal. It operates on the assumption
that the groove is large enough to create separate lands within the seal, creating a zero or
negligible pressure perturbation across the seal. A comparison with XLLubeGT shows
that even the seal with the largest groove depth tested is not deep enough to agree with
XLLubeGT predictions. | en |
