An Entrance Region Friction Factor Model Applied to Annular Seal Analysis: Theory Versus Experiment for Smooth and Honeycomb Seals

Abstract

A friction factor model is developed for the entrance-region of a duct. The model is used in an annular gas seal analysis similar to Nelson’s (1984). Predictions of the analysis are compared to experimental results for a smooth-stator/smooth-rotor seal and three honeycomb-stator/smooth-rotor seals. The model predicts leakage and direct damping well. The model overpredicts the dependence of cross-coupled stiffness on fluid prerotation. The model predicts direct stiffness poorly.