Finite Element Analysis of the Misalignment Effects on the Dynamic Force Coefficients of Spiral Groove Gas Face Seals

Abstract

This paper presents a finite element procedure specially devised to analyze the misalignment effects on the behavior of spiral groove gas face seals operating at high speeds. In this study, the seal stationary face is slightly misaligned and the flexibly mounted face is perfectly aligned. Predictions of some steady-state and dynamic performance characteristics versus misalignment angle are presented for spirally grooved gas seals operating under stringent conditions. Curves of dynamic force coefficients versus the static misalignment angle of the seal face indicate that the seal misalignment affects considerably the dynamic response of gas lubricated face seals. At high speeds, the static seal misalignment not only results in increased stiffness coefficients but also leads to negative damping coefficients, which may be a sign of the seal susceptibility to excessive angular motions.