Study of leakage and stability in labyrinth seal using CFD

Abstract

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to model the seal and get a visualization of the pressure and velocity field. The relations between seal structure, inlet-outlet pressure and leakage can be found by a numerical simulation which can help us in the structural design of a seal and the selection of the inlet-outlet pressure. 2D labyrinth seal Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is built which provides a basis for reducing steam flow excitation. The streamline pattern and the pressure drop characteristics for leakage of steam through a labyrinth seal was investigated. Simulation of internal flow and leakage characteristics has been performed by using CFD software and two-control volume model turbulence model.