Performance of radial-axial clearance rim seal in realistic working conditions

RACS has higher air-cooled aerodynamic efficiency, minimizing the mainstream performance penalty when compared with ACS and RCS. Corresponding to the respective minimum mass flow rate for seal, the air-cooled aerodynamic efficiency of RACS is 23.71% higher than that of ACS, and 12.79% higher than the RCS. Finite element analysis in turbine disc shows that RACS minimizes the flow rate of cooling air required for suppressing the radial growth of turbine disc in the three rim seal types. Mass flow rate of the required cooling air of RACS is approximately 40.9-52.9% of that of ACS, and 70-75% of RCS.