Experimental and numerical investigations on the leakage flow characteristics of labyrinth seals

Experimental measurements and numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the leakage flow characteristics of the labyrinth seals in this work. Rotating seal test rig was used to measure the leakage flow rate of the labyrinth seals. The detailed leakage flow fields of the labyrinth seals at the experimental measurement conditions were investigated by solving three-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations and k- turbulent model. Effects of the pressure ratio and rotational speed on the leakage flow characteristics of labyrinth seals were studied using the experimental and numerical approaches. The obtained results show that the rotational speed has little influence on the leakage flow rate of the labyrinth seal. The leakage flow rate of the labyrinth seal linearly increase with increasing the pressure ratio at the same sealing clearance and rotational speed. The flow pattern of the labyrinth seal was also illustrated.