Abstract:

This paper presents the leakage characteristics of labyrinth seals, which were introduced by theoretical analysis and experiment result.The study of the dissipative process converting the kinetic energy to the thermal energy within the labyrinth chambers is emphasized.Experiments were carried out using a model of a straight-through labyrinth. By changing the Reynold's number, pressure ratio, and the ratios of clearance and depth to the length of the chambers, the flow coefficient, carry-factor and ideal labyrinth function can be obtained.Additionally, by applying the continuity equation, energy equation, Bernouli's equation and the equation of state to the vortex chambers, a closed set of equations are obtained. Solving the equations simultanoasly and numerically, the velocity, pressure and temperature in each vortex-chamber can be determined completly. Finally, the leakage of the labyrinth seal are acquired.

Key words: seal, tests, design