Computation of Cavity-by-Cavity Flow Development in Generic Labyrinth Seals

A recently developed version of a swirl-flow finite difference computer code was improved and employed in predicting the compressible flow of air through generic labyrinth seals. The cavity-by-cavity flow field development from the seal inlet is computed, and the distribution of various field variables is examined. Results are given for straight-through seals of corresponding teeth-on-stator and teeth-on-rotor types. The teeth-on-rotor seal gives greater leakage resistance than the equivalent teeth-on-stator design. Also, it exhibits a greater swirl velocity development. These previously unavailable predictions of swirl velocity development are provided for the refinement of simpler models, as investigators have asked for these results.