Numerical analysis of leakage flow through two labyrinth seals1

The leakage flow through two labyrinth seals, e.g the interlocking seal and the stepped seal, was numerically investigated. Preliminary calculation of the seal-cavity averaged pressure by using the one-dimensional control volume method showed favorable agreement with the experimental measurements. Subsequently, in-depth understanding of the fluid flow through the labyrinth seals was obtained by employing Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and k – ɛ turbulence model, which resulted in a potential wealth of information like the streamline pattern, velocity vector field, and distribution of turbulent kinetic energy and static pressure. At the clearance of the seal the turbulent kinetic energy reached the peak value, while in the bulk region of the cavities it decayed fast. The static pressure rapidly dropped as the fluid flow went through the clearance; no distinct difference of the static pressure was inspected in the cavities. Also noted from the numerical results was that the stepped seal showed better sealing performance than the interlocking seal.