A New Approach for Scaling Aspirating Face Seal Aerodynamics

In the present paper, an approach for scaling the aerodynamics of advanced seals is presented. Modern advanced seals, such as a self-adaptive gas lubricated face seal, comprise elements that are commonly used in turbomachinery sealing. These are labyrinth seals and mechanical face seals. Parameters influencing the aerodynamical and mechanical behavior of each seals type are known. However, a combined methodology to scale the aerodynamics of the self-adaptive seal which consists of more than one element has not yet been published. The proposed methodology is applied to a model self-adaptive seal, and numerical simulations are performed to prove the validity of the approach. The new methodology ensures the transferability of experimental results at lab scale to engine conditions. Since the new approach allows scaling of self-adaptive seal tests, a new unique test rig will be designed accordingly.