Periodic Thermal Deformation of Large Seal Ring

Abstract

Oil film seals of large diameter sometimes show long-period cyclic deformation of the floating seal ring whose rotation is constrained by a stopper pin. Cyclic change of deformation and oil film temperature may cause fatigue damage of the seal ring after long-term operation. We present a theory for the mechanisms of thermal deformation and its periodic transformation, the results of which agree well with those of measurements, and which provides a practical design criterion to prevent this phenomenon.