Finite Element Thermo-Hydrodynamic Analysis of a Circumferentially Grooved Floating Oil Ring Seal

Abstract

This paper describes a finite-element solution of the nonlinear and coupled hydrodynamic and thermal equations for pressure and temperature profiles in an oil seal including the influence of circumferential grooves. Different models of grooves, considering and neglecting the entrance loss as the fluid passes over the groove, are analyzed. Perturbation analysis is used to determine the static and dynamic characteristics. The hydrodynamic forces are calculated by integrating the pressure distribution along and around the seal. This analysis shows that the smooth and rounded edge grooves tend to increase the leakage, and the size of the grooves significantly influences the axial and circumferential pressure variation in the groove. The results of grooved and ungrooved seals are compared and discussed.

Presented at the 49th Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania May 1–5, 1994

KEY WORDS:

• Seals
• Centrifugal Compressor
• High Pressure
• Hydrodynamic
• Dynamic Modeling

Notes

Presented at the 49th Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania May 1–5, 1994