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Corrosive atmospheric agents excluded to prolong cell life. Combination of two sealing techniques makes possible to protect solar cells from water vapor, oxygen, and other corrosive atmospheric constituents. Using three-step process, glass-to-metal hermetic seal formed around edge of solar-cell module. Elastomer seals used previously not as effective because they are permeable to water vapor and atmospheric gases.
New seal more effective and lasts longer. Seal consists of five felt rings interspersed with four polytetrafluoroethylene rings having inner diameter slightly larger than shaft. Spaces between polytetrafluoroethylene rings and shaft produce labyrinth effect, which increases degree of sealing.
The leakage and rotordynamic coefficients of constant-clearance and convergent-tapered annular gas seals were measured in an experimental test facility. The results are presented along with the theoretically predicted values. Of particular interest is the prediction that optimally tapered seals have significantly larger direct stiffness than straight seals. The experimental results verify this prediction. Generally the theory does quite well, but fails to predict the large increase in direct stiffness when the fluid is pre-rotated.
Simple compression joint with indium gasket forms demountable seal for superfluids. Seal developed for metal lid on glass jar used in experiments on liquid helium. Glass container allows contents to be viewed for such purposes as calibration of liquid-level detectors and adjustments of displacement plungers. Seal contains liquid helium even when temperature drops below 2.19K. Made from inexpensive, commercially available materials and parts.
O-ring response and sealing in pressurized shell structures is examined. The study found that the key elements in the failure of the seal to be joint opening and rotation, assembly out of roundness, and O-ring seal response.
The basic equations are derived for a two control volume model for compressible flow in a labyrinth seal. The flow is assumed to be completely turbulent and isoenergetic. The wall friction factors are determined using the Blasius formula. Jet flow theory is used for the calculation of the recirculation velocity in the cavity. Linearized zeroth and first order perturbation equations are developed for small motion about a centered position by an expansion in the eccentricity ratio. The zeroth order pressure distribution is found by satisfying the leakage equation. The circumferential velocity distribution is determined by satisfying the momentum equations. The first order equations are solved by a separation of variable solution. Integration of the resultant pressure distribution along and around the seal defines the reaction force developed by the seal and the corresponding dynamic coefficients. The results of this analysis are compared to experimental test results.
The rotordynamic coefficients of an incompressible-flow annular pressure seal were determined using a bulk-flow model in conjunction with two different friction factor relationships. The first, Hirs' equation, assumes the friction factor is a function of Reynolds number only. The second, Moody's equation, approximates Moody's diagram and assumes the friction factor is a function of both Reynolds number and relative roughness. For each value of relative roughness, Hirs' constants were determined so that both equations gave the same magnitude and slope of the friction factor. For smooth seals, both relationships give the same results. For rough seals (e/2 H sub 0 = 0.05) Moody's equation predicts 44% greater direct stiffness, 35% greater cross-coupled stiffness, 19% smaller cross-coupled damping, 59% smaller cross-coupled inertia, and nominally the same direct damping and direct inertia.
A great deal of research has recently been conducted to solve the subsynchronous rotor vibration problems in high-performance turbomachinery. Particularly, the destabilizing effect of the labyrinth seal on compressors or turbines has been investigated for many years. In spite of many efforts the dynamic effect of the labyrinth seal had not been fully determined from qualitative and quantitative points of view. But from theoretical and experimental work, the dynamic characteristics of the labyrinth seal have been established. The results of recent theoretical and experimental works are presented.
An analysis for helically-grooved turbulent annular seals is developed to predict leakage and dynamic coefficients, as related to rotordynamics. The grooved surface pattern is formulated as an inhomogeneous directivity in surface shear stress. The zeroth-order equations define the steady-state leakage and the circumferential velocity development due to wall shear for a centered rotor position. The first-order equations define perturbations in the pressure and axial and circumferential velocity fields due to small motion of the rotor about the centered position. Numerical results are presented for proposed grooved seals in the High Pressure Oxygen Turbopump (HPTOP) of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) and for a water-pump application. The results show that an optimum helix angle exists from a rotordynamic stability viewpoint. Further, a properly designed helically-grooved stator is predicted to have pronounced stability advantages over other currently used seals.
The rotordynamic coefficients of an incompressible-flow annular pressure seal were determined using a bulk-flow model in conjunction with two different friction factor relationships. The first, Hirs' equation, assumes the friction factor is a function of Reynolds number only. The second, Moody's equation, approximates Moody's diagram and assumes the friction factor is a function of both Reynolds number and relative roughness. For each value of relative roughness, Hirs' constants were determined so that both equations gave the same magnitude and slope of the friction factor. For smooth seals, both relationships give the same results. For rough seals, Moody's equation predicts 44 percent greater direct stiffness, 35 percent greater cross-coupled stiffness, 19 percent smaller cross-coupled damping, 59 percent smaller cross-coupled inertia, and nominally the same direct damping and direct inertia.
Report analyzes behavior of O-ring seals in case of Solid Rocket Booster. Numerical simulations of transient response of seal presented with measurements of relevant mechanical properties of O-rings to show there is range of operating conditions in which seal can fail.
Interstage seal accommodates large pressure drop across vane stage. Sealing surfaces close to inner diameter of gas-flow path. Two blade stages supported by single disk, broached over entire width of rim. Seal concept developed for small rocket turbines as liquid-oxygen pumps. Well suited to turbines with high pressure drops across vane stages.
Analysis considers effects of seals on stability. Report presents method of calculation of flows of cryogenic fluids through shaft seals. Key to stability is local average velocity in seal. Local average velocity strongly influenced by effects of inlet and outlet and injection of fluid.
The rotordynamic behavior of turbomachinery is critically dependent on fluid dynamic rotor forces developed by various types of seals and bearings. The occurrence of self-excited vibrations often depends on the rotor speed and load. Misalignment and rotor wobbling motion associated with differential clearance were often attributed to stability problems. In general, the rotative character of the flowfield is a complex three dimensional system with secondary flow patterns that significantly alter the average fluid circumferential velocity. A multidimensional, nonorthogonal, body-fitted-grid fluid flow model is presented that describes the fluid dynamic forces and the secondary flow pattern development in seals and bearings. Several numerical experiments were carried out to demonstrate the characteristics of this complex flowfield. Analyses were performed by solving a conservation form of the three dimensional Navier-Stokes equations transformed to those for a rotating observer and using the general-purpose computer code PHOENICS with the assumptions that the rotor orbit is circular and that static eccentricity is zero. These assumptions have enabled a precise steady-state analysis to be used. Fluid injection from ports near the seal or bearing center increased fluid-film direct dynamic stiffness and, in some cases, significantly increased quadrature dynamic stiffness. Injection angle and velocity could be used for active rotordynamic control; for example, injection, when compared with no injection, increased direct dynamic stiffness, which is an important factor for hydrostatic bearings.
In a turbine machine, a two-component shroud seal which maximizes insulation and sealing around the rotating turbine blades, and is made by independently fabricating each of the two components then joining them together, is disclosed. The two components may be joined together at room temperature. The resulting shroud seal provides greater engine efficiency and thrust.
Helium buffered floating-ring seals used in cryogenic turbopumps are subject to large temperature variations, shaft centrifugal growth, and dynamic shaft excursions. To prevent dangerous contact friction over a wide range of operating conditions generally requires liberal clearances with consequent high leakage. Reduction of helium consumption translates into lower space vehicle helium storage requirements and thus increased payload. A hydrostatic sectored floating-ring seal is described with self-adjusting clearance capabilities that enables the seal to operate with small clearances over the operating range to minimize leakage.
The incompressible flow in a labyrinth seal at low leakage rates was computationally and experimentally investigated over a wide range of seal rotation rates. QUICK differencing was employed in the finite difference code to reduce the effects of false diffusion. The use of measured inlet boundary conditions for the axial and swirl velocity components and for the turbulent kinetic energy resulted in good agreement between velocity predictions and hot-film measurements. It was found that when the rotation rate is increased beyond a certain point, a second recirculation zone forms inside the seal cavity, altering the flow field in the cavity and resulting in a substantial increase in the pressure drop across it.
The basic equations are derived for a two-control-volume model for compressible flow in a labyrinth seal. The recirculation velocity in the cavity is incorporated into the model for the first time. The flow is assumed to be completely turbulent and isoenergetic. The wall friction factors are determined using the Blasius formula. Jet flow theory is used for the calculation of the recirculation velocity in the cavity. Linearized zeroth- and first-order perturbation equations are developed for small motion about a centered position by an expansion in the eccentricity ratio. The zeroth-order pressure distribution is found by satisfying the leakage equation while the circumferential velocity distribution is determined by satisfying the momentum equations. The first-order equations are solved by a separation of variable solution. Integration of the resultant pressure distribution along and around the seal defines the reaction force developed by the seal and the corresponding dynamic coefficients.