Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Chamber Geometry on Bearing Chamber Oil Leakage

This paper presents experimental results identifying the influence of chamber geometry on the oil leakage behaviour of an aero engine bearing chamber. The varied geometrical parameters were the size of the bearing chamber, three different drip lip configurations, and a flinger. The position of the flinger was also varied to simulate mechanical and thermal distortions experienced during engine operations. Previous research has shown that the geometry of a bearing chamber influences the complex two phase flow inside it. This flow in turn influences the tendency of a bearing chamber to leak oil under adverse conditions. Since oil leakage from bearing chambers must be avoided for health and safety reasons, this knowledge is of great importance to the designer of a bearing chamber. The influence of the bearing chamber dimensions on oil leakage behaviour through seals has not yet been identified. The results of this work reveal a link between chamber geometry and leakage behaviour. The dependency of oil leakage rates for different chamber dimensions is also influenced by the investigated bearing chamber components. The complex interplay of these influencing factors was investigated and is described in detail.