Simulation of Subsonic Flow Through a Generic Labyrinth Seal Cavity

Abstract

A finite difference computer program has been developed to predict the subsonic compressible flow within a single cavity of a concentric-rotor labyrinth seal. The recent QUICK convective differencing scheme is employed to eliminate false diffusion. Previously unavailable distributions of important flow variables throughout a generic seal cavity are presented. Specifically, the dimensionless results of four seal leakage mass flow rates at given cavity inlet pressure and temperature have been compared and important variations are examined. Also, realistic approximations of flow variable distributions within a labyrinth seal cavity are made from the included figures.