Experimental Study of Dynamic Fluid Forces and Moments for a Long Annular Seal

Abstract

The dynamic fluid reaction forces and moments of a long annular seal were experimentally studied. A new testing apparatus was constructed in order to measure restoring forces and moments caused by the cylindrical whirling motion of a rotor. Experiments were conducted at various rotor speeds, whirling speeds, and with different pressure drops across the long seal. The rotor and outer cylinder were set in concentric alignment. The tangential force component was derived from the measured fluid force in order to determine the unstable threshold. Moments developed by the long seal were also obtained. Restoring forces and moments were expressed as stiffness, damping coefficients and added mass. These coefficients were then compared with Childs’ theory and found to be compatible.