Labyrinth stepped seal geometric optimization

Abstract

High-speed rotating machinery poses a challenging problem to designers and engineers. Interference between rotating and stationary elements can result in excessive wear, decreased machine performance, or machine failure. Labyrinth seals present a clever solution to the problem of providing a non-contacting seal while minimizing fluid leakage and pressure loss. However, labyrinth seals require performance optimization on a case-by-case basis. This thesis documents the research performed to better understand the behavior of fluid leakage and to improve the design of a particular configuration of labyrinth stepped seal. The need for these seals, and improvements of them, is briefly discussed. This is followed by an explanation of the experimental steps taken to evaluate the seal. The test results are examined, and the resulting conclusions lead to design "rules-of-thumb".