Seal assembly for a turbine engine and related methods

Abstract

A seal assembly for a rotary machine, such as a turbine engine, may include one or more seal segments, each of the one or more seal segments comprising: a seal housing defining a seal chamber and one or more fluid supply orifices extending through the seal housing; and a seal body defining a sealing face and one or more fluid conduits extending through the seal body to the sealing face. The seal chamber may receive at least a portion of the seal body, and the seal body may be movable within the seal chamber along a radial axis of a rotor of the rotary engine. The fluid supply orifice may be in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, and the fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with a fluid bearing gap defined between the seal face and a rotor face of the rotor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to seal assemblies for rotating machines, and more particularly, to seals for rotating machines such as turbine engines, as well as methods of making seal assemblies and methods of sealing the interface between a rotor and a stator of a rotating machine. Background Art

[0002] Rotating machines (such as gas turbine engines) have seals between rotating components (e.g., rotors) and corresponding stationary components (e.g., stators). These seals help reduce fluid leakage between the rotor and the stator. Transient operating conditions and / or abnormal movement of the rotor may cause leakage of the seals. Excessive leakage of seals in a rotating machine may significantly reduce the operating efficiency of the rotating machine. Transient operating conditions and / or abnormal movement of the rotor may also cause increased friction and / or contact between the seal and the rotor. Such friction and / or contact between the seal and the rotor may cause premature wear and / or reduced operating efficiency of the rotating machine. Therefore, the art welcomes the provision of improved sealing assemblies for rotating machines (such as turbine engines), as well as improved methods for sealing the interface between the rotor and the stator of a rotating machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] A complete and effective disclosure, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary turbine engine;

[0005] Figure 2A and Figure 2B schematic perspective views of exemplary seal assemblies disposed between a portion of a rotor and a stator of a turbine engine are respectively shown;

[0006] Figure 3A and Figure 3B schematic side view and schematic perspective view, respectively, showing an exemplary sealing element of a sealing assembly;

[0007] Figure 4A and Figure 4B respectively showing a schematic cutaway axial cross-sectional view of an exemplary seal assembly;

[0008] Figure 5A and Figure 5B schematic cross-sectional views of further exemplary sealing assemblies are respectively shown;

[0009] Figures 6A-6E schematic elevation views of exemplary sealing surfaces of the sealing assembly are respectively shown;

[0010] Figure 7 A flow chart depicting an exemplary method of manufacturing a seal assembly is shown; and

[0011] Figure 8 A flow chart depicting a method of sealing the interface between a rotor and a stator is shown.

[0012] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided as an explanation of the present disclosure and not as a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to encompass such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0014] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary.

[0015] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of each component.

[0016] The terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "portrait," and the like should relate to the present disclosure as it is oriented in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0017] The terms "fore" and "aft" refer to relative positions within a turbine engine, with fore referring to a position closer to the engine inlet and aft referring to a position closer to the engine nozzle or exhaust.

[0018] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative directions of fluid flow in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, and "downstream" refers to the direction toward which the fluid is flowing.

[0019] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached," and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attachment as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features.

[0021] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximating language is applied to modify any quantitative representation that can be permissibly varied without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, values ​​modified by terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are not limited to the precise values ​​specified. In at least some cases, approximating language can correspond to the precision of an instrument used to measure a value, or the precision of a method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component and / or system. For example, approximating language can mean within a margin of 1%, 2%, 4%, 10%, 15%, or 20%.

[0022] Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combined and interchanged, and unless context or language indicates otherwise, such ranges are identified and include all sub-ranges contained therein. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

[0023] Additionally, unless otherwise noted, the terms "low," "high," or their respective comparatives (e.g., lower, higher, where applicable) each refer to a relative speed within the engine. For example, a "low-pressure turbine" typically operates at a lower pressure than a "high-pressure turbine." Alternatively, unless otherwise noted, the above terms may be understood to refer to their highest superordinates. For example, a "low-pressure turbine" may refer to the lowest maximum pressure turbine within turbine section 126, and a "high-pressure turbine" may refer to the highest maximum pressure turbine within turbine section 126.

[0024] The term “turbomachine” or “turbomachinery” refers to a machine that includes one or more compressors, a heat generating section (eg, a combustor section), and one or more turbines that together generate a torque output.

[0025] As used herein, the term "turbine engine" refers to an engine that includes a turbine as all or part of its power source. Example turbine engines include gas turbine engines and hybrid electric turbine engines, such as turbofan engines, turboprop engines, turbojet engines, turboshaft engines, etc.

[0026] As used herein, the term "rotor" refers to any component of a rotating machine (eg, a turbine engine) that rotates about an axis of rotation. As an example, a rotor may include a shaft or spool of a rotating machine (eg, a turbine engine).

[0027] As used herein, the term "stator" refers to any component of a rotating machine, such as a turbine engine, that is constructed and arranged coaxially with the rotor of the rotating machine. The stator may be stationary or rotatable about an axis of rotation. The stator may be disposed radially inward or radially outward relative to the rotor along a radial axis.

[0028] One or more components of the turbine engine described below may be manufactured or formed using any suitable process, such as an additive manufacturing process (e.g., a 3-D printing process). The use of such a process may allow such components to be integrally formed as a single, unitary component, or formed into any suitable number of subcomponents. In particular, the additive manufacturing process may allow such components to be integrally formed and include a variety of features that are not possible using existing manufacturing methods. For example, the additive manufacturing methods described herein may allow the manufacture of channels, conduits, cavities, openings, housings, manifolds, double walls, heat exchangers, or other components having unique features, configurations, thicknesses, materials, densities, fluid pathways, headers, and mounting structures that are not possible or practical using existing manufacturing methods, or specific positioning and integration of such components. Some of these features are described herein.

[0029] Suitable additive manufacturing techniques according to the present disclosure include, for example, selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser melting (DMLM), fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), 3D printing such as by inkjet, laser jetting and binder jetting, stereolithography (SLA), direct selective laser sintering (DSLS), electron beam sintering (EBS), electron beam melting (EBM), laser engineered net shape (LENS), laser net shape manufacturing (LNSM), direct metal deposition (DMD), digital light processing (DLP), direct selective laser melting (DSLM) and other known processes.

[0030] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a kind of suitable powder material for the structure of integral, single structure.For the manufacture of the suitable powder material of the structure as one body, single structure provided herein include metal alloy, polymer or ceramic powder.Exemplary metal powder material is stainless steel alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, nickel-based superalloy and cobalt-based superalloy.In addition, suitable alloy can include those alloys designed to have good oxidation resistance, referred to as " superalloy ", they have acceptable strength at the operating temperature of the rise in turbine engine, such as Hastelloy, Inconel alloy (such as, IN 738, IN 792, IN 939), Rene alloy (such as, Rene N4, Rene N5, Rene 80, Rene 142, Rene 195), Haynes alloy, Mar M, CM247, CM247 LC, C263, 718, X-850, ECY768, 282, X45, PWA 1483 and CMSX (such as CMSX-4) single crystal alloy. The fabricated objects of the present disclosure may be formed with one or more selected crystalline microstructures, such as directionally solidified ("DS") or single crystal ("SX").

[0031] As used herein, the terms "unitary," "single," or "monolithic" when used to describe a structure refer to a structure that is formed integrally from a continuous material or group of materials without seams, connecting joints, etc. The unitary, unitary structures described herein may be formed by additive manufacturing to have the structure, or by a casting process, etc.

[0032] The present disclosure generally provides a sealing assembly for a rotating machine. The sealing assembly currently disclosed can be used for any rotating machine. Exemplary embodiments may be particularly suitable for turbines, such as turbine engines, etc. The sealing assembly currently disclosed includes a film-riding seal that provides a fluid film between the face of the seal and the face of the rotor. The fluid film can be provided by one or more fluid supply ports that allow fluid (such as pressurized air or gas in a turbine engine) to flow from a higher pressure area on one side of the sealing assembly to a lower pressure area on the other side of the sealing assembly. The fluid flowing through the fluid supply port passes through the fluid bearing gap between the sealing face and the rotor face. The fluid in the fluid bearing gap provides a pressurized fluid film between the sealing face and the rotor face. The pressurized fluid film acts as a fluid bearing, such as a gas bearing, that suppresses contact between the seal and the rotor. For example, the fluid bearing can be a hydrostatic bearing, an air hydrostatic bearing, etc.

[0033] The presently disclosed seal assembly is generally considered a non-contact seal because the fluid bearing inhibits contact between the seal face and the rotor face. In addition, the presently disclosed seal assembly includes a rotor shoe that is configured to float or actuate along the axis of motion in response to a motive force caused by transient operating conditions of the rotating machine and / or abnormal movement of the rotor. The seal assembly includes features described herein that provide improved movement of the rotor shoe along the axis of motion, improved positioning of the seal face relative to the rotor face, an enhanced range of motion of the rotor shoe, and / or improved response to transient operating conditions and / or abnormal movement of the rotor. The presently disclosed seal assembly can adapt to a wider range of operating conditions and / or can provide improved operating performance, including improved seal assembly performance and / or improved rotating machine performance. Additionally or alternatively, the presently disclosed seal assembly can provide a lower likelihood of contact between the seal face and the rotor face during transient conditions, thereby improving the durability and / or service life of the seal assembly, the rotor, and / or related components of the rotating machine.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail. Figure 1 , an exemplary turbine engine 100 will be described. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed seal assembly may be included in a rotating machine such as turbine engine 100. Exemplary turbine engine 100 may be mounted to an aircraft, such as in an underwing configuration or a tail mount configuration. It should be understood that Figure 1 The turbine engine 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided by way of example and not limitation, and the subject matter of the present disclosure may be implemented with other types of turbine engines as well as other types of rotating machines.

[0035] In general, turbine engine 100 may include a fan section 102 and a core engine 104 disposed downstream of fan section 102. Fan section 102 may include a fan 106 having any suitable configuration (e.g., a variable pitch, single-stage configuration). Fan 106 may include a plurality of fan blades 108 coupled to a fan disk 110 in a spaced-apart manner. Fan blades 108 may extend outwardly from fan disk 110 in a generally radial direction. Core engine 104 may be coupled directly or indirectly to fan section 102 to provide torque for driving fan section 102.

[0036] The core engine 104 may include an engine casing 114 that encloses one or more portions of the core engine 104, including a compressor section 122, a combustor section 124, and a turbine section 126. The engine casing 114 may define a core engine inlet 116, an exhaust nozzle 118, and a core air flow path 120 therebetween. The core air flow path 120 may pass through the compressor section 122, the combustor section 124, and the turbine section 126 in a serial flow relationship. The compressor section 122 may include a first boost or low-pressure (LP) compressor 128 and a second high-pressure (HP) compressor 130. The turbine section 126 may include a first high-pressure (HP) turbine 132 and a second low-pressure (LP) turbine 134. The compressor section 122, the combustor section 124, the turbine section 126, and the exhaust nozzle 118 may be arranged in a serial flow relationship and may each define a portion of the core air flow path 120 through the core engine 104.

[0037] The core engine 104 and the fan section 102 may be coupled to a shaft driven by the core engine 104. As an example, Figure 1 As shown, the core engine 104 may include a high-pressure (HP) shaft 136 and a low-pressure (LP) shaft 138. The HP shaft 136 may drivingly connect the HP turbine 132 to the HP compressor 130. The LP shaft 138 may drivingly connect the LP turbine 134 to the LP compressor 128. In other embodiments, such as in the case of a turbine engine 100 including an intermediate-pressure turbine, the turbine engine 100 may have three shafts. The shafts of the core engine 104, along with the rotating portions of the core engine 104, may sometimes be referred to as "spools." The HP shaft 136, the rotating portion of the HP compressor 130 coupled to the HP shaft 136, and the rotating portion of the HP turbine 132 coupled to the HP shaft 136 may collectively be referred to as a high-pressure (HP) spool 140. The LP shaft 138, the rotating portion of the LP compressor 128 coupled to the LP shaft 138, and the rotating portion of the LP turbine 134 coupled to the LP shaft 138 may collectively be referred to as a low-pressure (LP) spool 142.

[0038] In some embodiments, fan section 102 may be coupled directly to a shaft of core engine 104, such as LP shaft 138. Alternatively, Figure 1 As shown, the fan section 102 and the core engine 104 can be coupled to each other via a power gearbox 144 (e.g., a planetary reduction gearbox, an epicyclic gearbox, etc.). For example, the power gearbox 144 can couple the LP shaft 138 to the fan 106, such as to the fan disk 110 of the fan section 102. The power gearbox 144 can include a plurality of gears for reducing the rotational speed of the LP shaft 138 to a more efficient rotational speed of the fan section 102.

[0039] Still refer to Figure 1 The fan section 102 of the turbine engine 100 may include a fan case 146 that at least partially surrounds the fan 106 and / or the plurality of fan blades 108. The fan case 146 may be supported by the core engine 104, for example, by a plurality of outlet guide vanes 148 circumferentially spaced and extending substantially radially therebetween. The turbine engine 100 may include a nacelle 150. The nacelle 150 may be secured to the fan case 146. The nacelle 150 may include one or more sections that at least partially surround the fan section 102, the fan case 146, and / or the core engine 104. For example, the nacelle 150 may include a nose shroud, a fan cowl, an engine cowl, a thrust reverser, etc. An inward portion of the fan case 146 and / or the nacelle 150 may circumferentially surround an outer portion of the core engine 104. An inward portion of the fan case 146 and / or the nacelle 150 may define a bypass passage 152. The bypass passage 152 may be annularly disposed between an outer portion of the core engine 104 and an inward portion of the fan case 146 and / or the nacelle 150 surrounding the outer portion of the core engine 104 .

[0040] During operation of turbine engine 100, an inlet airflow 154 enters turbine engine 100 through an inlet 156 defined by nacelle 150 (e.g., a nose shroud of nacelle 150). Inlet airflow 154 passes through fan blades 108. Inlet airflow 154 is divided into a core airflow 158, which flows into and through core air flow path 120 of core engine 104, and a bypass airflow 160, which flows through bypass passage 152. Core airflow 158 is compressed by compressor section 122. Pressurized air from compressor section 122 flows downstream to combustor section 124, where fuel is introduced to generate combustion gases, as indicated by arrows 162. The combustion gases exit combustor section 124 and flow through turbine section 126, generating torque that rotates compressor section 122 to support combustion while also rotating fan section 102. The rotation of fan section 102 causes bypass airflow 160 to flow through bypass passage 152, generating propulsive thrust. The core airflow exiting exhaust nozzle 118 generates additional thrust.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the turbine engine 100 may be a relatively high power class turbine engine 100 that may generate a relatively large amount of thrust. For example, the turbine engine 100 may be configured to generate a thrust of about 300 kilonewtons (kN) to about 700 kN, such as about 300 kN to about 500 kN, such as about 500 kN to about 600 kN, or such as about 600 kN to about 700 kN. However, it should be understood that reference to Figure 1The various features and properties of the described turbine engine 100 are provided by way of example only and are not limiting. In fact, the present disclosure may be implemented with respect to any desired turbine engine, including those having properties or features that differ in one or more respects from the turbine engine 100 described herein.

[0042] Still refer to Figure 1 Turbine engine 100 includes seal assemblies at a plurality of locations throughout turbine engine 100, any one or more of which may be configured in accordance with the present disclosure. The presently disclosed seal assemblies may be disposed at any location within turbine engine 100, including at an interface with a rotating portion of turbine engine 100, such as an interface with a rotating portion of core engine 104 or a spool. For example, a seal assembly may be included at an interface with a portion of LP spool 142 and / or at an interface with HP spool 140. In some embodiments, a seal assembly may be included at an interface between a spool (such as LP spool 142 or HP spool 140) and a stationary portion of core engine 104. Additionally or alternatively, a seal assembly may be included at an interface between LP spool 142 and HP spool 140. Additionally or alternatively, a seal assembly may be included at an interface between a stationary portion of core engine 104 and LP shaft 138 or HP shaft 136, and / or at an interface between LP shaft 138 and HP shaft 136.

[0043] As an example, Figure 1Some exemplary locations for seal assemblies are shown. As an example, a seal assembly may be located at or near a bearing chamber 164. A seal assembly located at or near a bearing chamber 164 is sometimes referred to as a bearing chamber seal. Such a bearing chamber seal can inhibit airflow (e.g., core airflow 158) from entering a bearing chamber of turbine engine 100, such as a bearing chamber located at the interface between LP shaft 138 and HP shaft 136. As another example, a seal assembly may be located at or near a compressor section 122 of turbine engine 100. In some embodiments, the seal assembly may be located at or near a compressor discharge port 166 of HP compressor 130, for example. A seal assembly located at or near compressor discharge port 166 is sometimes referred to as a compressor discharge pressure seal. Such a compressor discharge pressure seal can maintain pressure downstream of compressor section 122 and / or provide bearing thrust balancing. Additionally or alternatively, a seal assembly may be located between adjacent compressor stages 168 of compressor section 122. A seal assembly located between adjacent compressor stages 168 is sometimes referred to as a compressor interstage seal. Such compressor interstage seals can limit air recirculation within the compressor section 122. As another example, a seal assembly can be located at or near the turbine section 126 of the turbine engine 100. In some embodiments, the seal assembly can be located at or near the turbine inlet 170 of, for example, the HP turbine 132 or the LP turbine 134. A seal assembly located at or near the turbine inlet 170 is sometimes referred to as a forward turbine seal. Such a forward turbine seal can contain high-pressure cooling air for the HP turbine 132 and / or the LP turbine 134 (e.g., for its turbine disks and turbine blades). Additionally or alternatively, a seal assembly can be located at or near one or more turbine disk rims 172. A seal assembly located at or near a turbine disk rim 172 is sometimes referred to as a turbine disk rim seal. Such a turbine disk rim seal can inhibit the ingestion of hot gas into the disk rim area. Additionally or alternatively, a seal assembly can be located between adjacent turbine stages 174 of the turbine section 126. A seal assembly located between adjacent turbine stages 174 is sometimes referred to as a turbine interstage seal. Such turbine interstage seals may limit air recirculation within the turbine section 126 .

[0044] Seal assemblies at any one or more of these locations or other locations of turbine engine 100 may be configured in accordance with the present disclosure. Additionally or alternatively, turbine engine 100 may include the presently disclosed seal assemblies at one or more other locations of turbine engine 100. It should also be understood that the presently disclosed seal assemblies may also be used with other rotating machines, and reference may be made to the present disclosure. Figure 1 The depicted turbine engine 100 is provided by way of example and not limitation.

[0045] Now refer to Figure 2A and 2B, further describing an exemplary sealing assembly. Figure 2A and 2B As shown, a rotary machine 200, such as a turbine engine 100, may include a seal assembly 202 that interfaces with a rotor 204 of the rotary machine 200. The seal assembly 202 may be integrated into any rotary machine 200 (e.g., a turbine engine 100). Figure 1 In the turbine engine 100 described above. Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the seal assembly 202 can separate an inlet plenum 206 from an outlet plenum 208. The inlet plenum 206 can define a region of the rotary machine 200 that includes a relatively high pressure fluid volume (p_high). The inlet plenum 206 can be located at a distal position relative to the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204. The outlet plenum 208 can define a region of the rotary machine 200 that includes a relatively low pressure fluid volume (p_low). The outlet plenum 208 can be located at a proximal position relative to the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204. The rotational axis 210 can coincide with the longitudinal axis of the rotary machine 200 (e.g., the turbine engine 100) and / or can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotary machine 200 (e.g., the turbine engine 100). The seal assembly 202 can be configured as a membrane-riding seal that provides a non-contact sealing interface that inhibits contact between the seal assembly 202 and the rotor 204, such as a fluid bearing, a gas bearing, etc., between the sealing face 212 of the seal assembly 202 and the rotor face 214 of the rotor 204. During operation, fluid within the inlet plenum 206 can flow through one or more paths of the seal assembly 202 to the outlet plenum 208. The fluid flow can provide a non-contact sealing interface. In some embodiments, the fluid can include pressurized air, gas, and / or steam. In other embodiments, the fluid can include a liquid.

[0046] The seal assembly 202 may include one or more seal segments 216. The seal assembly 202 may have an annular configuration defined by the one or more seal segments 216. The one or more seal segments 216 may be disposed circumferentially around the axis of rotation 210. In some embodiments, as Figure 2A As shown, the seal assembly 202 may include a plurality of seal segments 216 each having a semi-annular configuration. The plurality of seal segments 216 may be circumferentially arranged adjacent to each other. The plurality of seal segments 216 may be coupled to each other at corresponding segment interfaces 218. The segment interfaces 218 may be at least partially located at the radial edges of circumferentially adjacent seal segments 216. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, as Figure 2BAs shown, the seal assembly 202 may include one seal segment 216 having an annular configuration. It should be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, the present disclosure applies to the seal assembly 202 regardless of whether the seal assembly 202 includes multiple seal segments 216 each having a semi-annular configuration or one seal segment 216 having an annular configuration.

[0047] like Figure 2A and 2B As shown, seal assembly 202 may be coupled to a stator interface 220. Stator interface 220 may remain stationary relative to one or more seal segments 216. In some embodiments, stator interface 220 may define a portion of seal assembly 202. Stator interface 220 may be coupled to a portion of rotating machine 200 that remains stationary relative to stator interface 220. Additionally or alternatively, stator interface 220 may define a portion of rotating machine 200 that remains stationary relative to seal assembly 202. For example, stator interface 220 may be coupled to a portion of engine casing 114, or stator interface 220 may define a portion of engine casing 114. As another example, stator interface 220 may be coupled to HP shaft 136, or stator interface 220 may define a portion of HP shaft 136. One or more seal segments 216 may circumferentially surround the periphery of rotor 204 such that seal face 212 and rotor face 214 have a coaxial orientation relative to axis of rotation 210. Rotor 204 may define a portion of rotating machine 200, such as a portion of turbine engine 100. For example, rotor 204 may define a portion of HP spool 140 and / or a portion of HP shaft 136 of turbine engine 100. As another example, rotor 204 may define a portion of LP spool 142 and / or a portion of LP shaft 138 of turbine engine 100.

[0048] In some embodiments, as Figure 2A and 2BAs shown, the seal assembly 202 can be disposed radially outward from the rotor 204 of the rotary machine 200 relative to a radial axis 222. The seal assembly 202 can circumferentially surround a radially outwardly facing periphery of the rotor 204 relative to the radial axis 222, such as the rotor face 214. The rotor 204 can rotate about a radially inward portion of the seal assembly 202 (e.g., the seal face 212). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the seal assembly 202 can be disposed radially inward from the rotor 204, and the stator interface 220 can be coupled to the radially inward portion of the seal assembly 202. In this configuration, the seal assembly 202 can circumferentially surround the radially inward periphery of the rotor 204 (e.g., the radially inwardly facing rotor face 214), and the rotor 204 can rotate about a radially outward portion of the seal assembly 202 (e.g., the radially outwardly facing seal face 212). For example, stator interface 220 may be coupled to, or may define, a portion of LP spool 142 and / or LP shaft 138. Additionally or alternatively, rotor 204 may define a portion of HP spool 140 and / or HP shaft 136. It should be understood that, unless expressly stated otherwise, the present disclosure applies to seal assembly 202 regardless of whether seal assembly 202 circumferentially surrounds a radially inward periphery of rotor 204 or a radially outward periphery of rotor 204.

[0049] Now refer to Figure 3A and 3B , further describing an exemplary seal assembly 202. The seal assembly 202 may include one or more seal segments 216. Figure 3A and 3B An exemplary seal segment 216 is shown. As shown, the seal segment 216 may include a seal housing 300 and one or more seal bodies 302. For a seal assembly 202 including multiple seal segments 216, for example, Figure 2A As shown, multiple sealing segments 216 can respectively include a sealing housing 300 and one or more sealing bodies 302. For a sealing assembly 202 including a sealing segment 216, the sealing segment 216 can include a sealing housing 300 and multiple sealing bodies 302. The sealing housing 300 can define a sealing chamber 304 that receives at least a portion of the one or more sealing bodies 302. In some embodiments, the sealing housing 300 and / or the sealing body 302 can respectively have an integral structure. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing housing 300 and / or the sealing body 302 can be formed by multiple elements joined together to each other. It should be understood that references to the corresponding parts of the sealing housing 300 and / or the corresponding parts of the sealing body 302 herein can refer to areas of the integral structure and / or separate elements that can be joined together to be used for the corresponding sealing housing 300 or the sealing body 302, as the case may be.

[0050] Figure 3Aand 3B The seal segment 216 shown in FIG has a semi-annular configuration. The seal assembly 202 may include Figure 3A and 3B It should be understood that the sealing segment 216 may also have an annular structure, such as Figure 2B As shown. About Figure 2B The construction shown in Figure 3A and 3B The seal segment 216 shown in FIG. 2 may generally be considered to be a partial cross-sectional view of the seal segment 216 , which correspondingly has an annular configuration.

[0051] For a seal assembly 202 including a plurality of seal segments 216 having a generally semi-annular configuration, for example Figure 2A As shown, the plurality of seal segments 216 can each include a seal housing 300 having a generally semi-annular configuration. The seal assembly 202 can include, for example, a plurality of seal housings 300 circumferentially arranged adjacent to each other corresponding to the respective seal segments 216. A respective seal segment in the plurality of seal segments 216 can include one or more seal bodies 302. In some embodiments, the seal housing 300 having a semi-annular configuration can include a plurality of seal bodies 302. Such a plurality of seal bodies 302 can be circumferentially arranged adjacent to each other.

[0052] For a seal assembly 202 including a seal segment 216 having an annular configuration, for example Figure 2B As shown, the seal segment 216 may include a seal housing 300 having an annular configuration. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, multiple seal housings 300 may be coupled to each other by press-fitting, welding, brazing, snap rings, bolts, or other suitable attachment hardware, for example, in conjunction with assembling multiple seal segments 216 and / or forming a seal housing 300 having an annular configuration. Such an annular seal segment 216 may include multiple seal bodies 302 having a semi-annular configuration corresponding to the annular seal housing 300.

[0053] The sealed housing 300 may be secured to the stator interface 220 (eg, by press-fitting, welding, brazing, retaining rings, bolts, or other suitable attachment hardware). Figure 2A and 2B ). Additionally or alternatively, the seal housing 300 can be coupled to the stator interface 220 via one or more base elements (not shown) disposed about the stator interface 220 and / or the seal housing 300. The one or more base elements can include one or more recesses, grooves, ridges, notches, threads, etc. The seal housing 300 can be fixed to the stator interface 220 or can float in position relative to the stator interface 220.

[0054] The sealed housing 300 may include a transverse distal sidewall 306 and a transverse proximal sidewall 308 that are laterally opposed to each other along the rotational axis of the rotor 204. The transverse distal sidewall 306 may be positioned toward the inlet plenum 206 relative to the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204. The transverse proximal sidewall 308 may be positioned toward the outlet plenum 208 relative to the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204. At least a portion of the sealed chamber 304 may be disposed between the transverse distal sidewall 306 and the transverse proximal sidewall 308. Additionally or alternatively, the sealed chamber 304 may be at least partially defined by the transverse distal sidewall 306 and the transverse proximal sidewall 308. The transverse distal sidewall 306 and / or the transverse proximal sidewall 308 may be oriented transversely to the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204 (e.g., perpendicular to the rotational axis 210). As Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the transverse distal sidewall 306 and / or the transverse proximal sidewall 308 can be oriented parallel to the radial axis 222. In other embodiments, the transverse distal sidewall 306 and / or the transverse proximal sidewall 308 can be oriented obliquely to the radial axis 222.

[0055] The sealed housing 300 may include a radially distal wall 310 and a radially proximal wall 312. With respect to the radially proximal wall, the radially distal wall 310 may be oriented toward the stator interface 220 ( Figure 2A and 2B ) is positioned. At least a portion of the sealed chamber 304 can be disposed between the radial distal wall 310 and the radial proximal wall 312. Additionally or alternatively, the sealed chamber 304 can be at least partially defined by the radial distal wall 310 and the radial proximal wall 312. With respect to the radial distal wall 310, the radial proximal wall 312 can be positioned toward the rotor 204 relative to the radial axis 222. The radial distal wall 310 and / or the radial proximal wall 312 can be oriented coaxially with the rotation axis 210 of the rotor 204 (e.g., parallel to the rotation axis 210). As Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the radially distal end wall 310 and / or the radially proximal end wall 312 can be oriented perpendicular to the radial axis 222. In other embodiments, the radially distal end wall 310 and / or the radially proximal end wall 312 can be oriented obliquely to the radial axis 222. The radially distal end wall 310 can be integrally integrated with or coupled to the transverse distal sidewall 306 and / or the transverse proximal sidewall 308. Additionally or alternatively, the radially proximal end wall 312 can be integrally integrated with or coupled to the transverse distal sidewall 306 and / or the transverse proximal sidewall 308.

[0056] The seal body 302 may include a rotor shoe 314 and a piston head 316. In some embodiments, the seal body may include a flange 318 extending between the rotor shoe 314 and the piston head 316, such as Figure 3A and 3BAs shown. The rotor shoe 314 can be integrally integrated with or coupled to the flange 318. Additionally or alternatively, the flange 318 can be integrally integrated with or coupled to the piston head 316. In other embodiments, the rotor shoe 314 can be integrally integrated with or coupled to the piston head 316. For example, the piston head 316 can define a portion of the flange 318, or the seal body can include the rotor shoe 314 and the piston head 316 without the flange 318.

[0057] The rotor shoe 314 may be oriented radially proximate to the rotor 204 relative to the radial axis 222. Additionally or alternatively, the rotor shoe 314 may be oriented radially away from the seal housing 300 relative to the radial axis 222. The piston head 316 may be oriented radially proximate to the seal housing 300 relative to the radial axis 222. Additionally or alternatively, the piston head 316 may be oriented radially away from the rotor 204 relative to the radial axis 222.

[0058] The seal body 302 can move relative to the seal housing 300 along the radial axis 222. The movement of the seal body 302 relative to the seal housing 300 can be attributed to a motive force consistent with transient operating conditions (e.g., changes in pressure or differential pressure relative to the inlet plenum 206 and the outlet plenum 208, and / or thermal expansion or contraction of the seal assembly 202 and / or one or more components of the rotary machine 200, and / or centrifugal growth caused by changes in the speed of the rotor 204). Additionally or alternatively, the seal body 302 can move along the radial axis 222 in response to abnormal movement of the rotor 204. Additionally or alternatively, the position of the seal body 302 relative to the seal housing 300 relative to the radial axis 222 can correspond to relatively steady-state operating conditions. The specific position of the seal body 302 relative to the radial axis 222 can fluctuate with a motive force consistent with occasional operational disturbances and / or abnormal movement of the rotor 204 that may occur during steady-state operating conditions.

[0059] The sealing chamber 304 can receive at least a portion of the sealing body 302, including at least a portion of the piston head 316. In some embodiments, the sealing chamber 304 can receive at least a portion of the flange 318. The piston head 316 can move radially relative to the radial axis 222 within the sealing chamber 304, for example, in response to transient operating conditions and / or abnormal movement of the rotor 204. The piston head 316 can be constructed and arranged to slidably engage with the sealing chamber 304 (for example, with the surface of the piston head facing the transverse distal sidewall 306 and / or with the surface of the piston head facing the transverse proximal sidewall 308). The axial width of the piston head 316 relative to the rotation axis 210 of the rotor 204 and the axial width of the sealing chamber 304 can be constructed to have a suitable dimensional tolerance. In some embodiments, for example, as the sealing body 302 moves radially, at least a portion of the flange 318 can extend into the sealing chamber 304.

[0060] The seal housing 300 may include a seal body channel 320 that receives at least a portion of the seal body 302. The seal body channel 320 may extend through the radially proximal end wall 312 of the seal housing 300. Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the seal body channel 320 can receive the flange 318. In other embodiments, for example, when the seal body 302 includes a rotor shoe 314 integrally integrated with or coupled to the piston head 316, the seal body channel 320 can receive the piston head 316. The seal body 302 (e.g., the flange 318 of the seal body 302) can move radially within the seal body channel 320 relative to the radial axis 222, for example, in response to transient operating conditions and / or abnormal movement of the rotor 204, thereby causing the piston head 316 to move radially within the seal chamber 304. The flange 318 can be constructed and arranged to slidably engage with the seal body channel 320. The axial width of the flange 318 and the axial width of the seal body channel 320 relative to the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204 can be configured to have suitable dimensional tolerances.

[0061] The rotor shoe 314 may include a sealing surface 212 that provides a non-contact interface with the rotor face 214 of the rotor 204. The non-contact interface may include a fluid bearing gap 322 between the sealing surface 212 and the rotor face 214. The pressurized fluid within the fluid bearing gap 322 may provide a fluid bearing, such as a gas bearing, that inhibits contact between the sealing surface 212 and the rotor face 214. The radial movement of the seal body 302, for example in response to transient operating conditions and / or abnormal movement of the rotor 204, may maintain an appropriate size of the fluid bearing gap 322, thereby providing proper function of the fluid bearing and / or inhibiting contact between the sealing surface 212 and the rotor face 214.

[0062] Seal assembly 202 may include a primary leak path 324. Primary leak path 324 may supply fluid to fluid bearing gap 322. Fluid along primary leak path 324 may flow from inlet plenum 206 to fluid bearing gap 322. Primary leak path 324 may be at least partially defined by fluid bearing gap 322. Fluid in fluid bearing gap 322 may flow from fluid bearing gap 322 to outlet plenum 208. Seal housing 300 may include one or more fluid supply orifices 326. One or more fluid supply orifices 326 may include one or more channels, conduits, channels, etc., through seal housing 300. One or more fluid supply orifices 326 may extend transversely through seal housing 300 relative to the axis of rotation of rotary machine 200. One or more fluid supply orifices 326 may be defined by the integral structure of seal housing 300. One or more fluid supply orifices 326 may define at least a portion of primary leak path 324. Seal body 302 may include one or more fluid conduits 328. The one or more fluid conduits 328 can include one or more channels, conduits, passages, etc., extending through the seal body 302. The one or more fluid conduits 328 can extend radially through the seal body 302. The one or more fluid conduits 328 can be defined by the integral structure of the seal body. The one or more fluid conduits can define at least a portion of the primary leak path 324.

[0063] One or more fluid supply orifices 326 can be in fluid communication with one or more fluid conduits 328. The one or more fluid supply orifices 326 can provide fluid communication between a region of the inlet plenum 206 and the one or more fluid conduits 328. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more fluid supply orifices 326 can be in fluid communication with the seal chamber 304. The one or more fluid supply orifices 326 can provide fluid communication between a region of the inlet plenum 206 and the seal chamber 304. The seal chamber 304 can be in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits 328. In some embodiments, the seal chamber 304 can define at least a portion of the primary leak path 324. In some embodiments, the primary leak path 324 can include the one or more fluid supply orifices 326, the seal chamber 304, and the one or more fluid conduits 328. The one or more fluid conduits 328 can be in fluid communication with the fluid bearing gap 322. The fluid bearing gap 322 can be in fluid communication with a region of the outlet plenum 208.

[0064] like Figure 3A and 3BAs shown, one or more fluid supply orifices 326 may pass through the transverse distal sidewall 306 of the sealed housing 300. Additionally or alternatively, one or more fluid supply orifices 326 may pass through the radial distal wall 310 of the sealed housing 300. The transverse distal sidewall 306 and / or the radial distal wall 310 may define at least a portion of the one or more fluid supply orifices 326. In some embodiments, as Figure 3B As shown, the one or more fluid supply orifices 326 may have an elongated and / or semi-annular shape.

[0065] like Figure 3A As shown, one or more fluid conduits 328 of the seal body 302 can extend through at least a portion of the piston head 316 and / or at least a portion of the rotor shoe 314. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more fluid conduits 328 can extend through at least a portion of the flange 318 of the seal body 302. The one or more fluid conduits 328 can be in fluid communication with the fluid bearing gap 322 between the seal face 212 and the rotor face 214 at one or more orifices, respectively, the one or more orifices defining a radially proximal opening 330 of the corresponding fluid conduit 328 relative to the radial axis 222. The radially proximal opening 330 can be disposed about a surface of the rotor shoe 314. For example, as Figure 3A As shown, the radial proximal opening 330 can be disposed about the seal face 212 such that the fluid conduit 328 provides fluid directly to the fluid bearing gap 322. In other embodiments, the fluid conduit 328 can be in fluid communication with a groove or channel within the seal body 302 and / or the rotor shoe 314, and such a groove or channel can provide fluid communication with the fluid bearing gap 322. Additionally or alternatively, one or more fluid conduits 328 can be in fluid communication with the seal chamber 304 at a radial distal opening 332 of the respective fluid conduit 328 relative to the radial axis 222. For example, Figure 3A As shown, the radially distal opening 332 of the corresponding fluid conduit 328 can be disposed about a surface of the piston head 316, such as a radially distal surface 334 of the piston head 316. In other embodiments, the fluid conduit 328 can be in fluid communication with a groove or channel within the seal body 302 and / or the rotor shoe 314, and such a groove or channel can provide fluid communication with the fluid bearing gap 322.

[0066] In some embodiments, the seal assembly 202 may include an auxiliary seal chamber 336. The auxiliary seal chamber 336 may be at least partially defined by the seal housing 300. The seal housing 300 may include an auxiliary front wall 338. The auxiliary seal chamber 336 may be at least partially defined by the auxiliary front wall 338 and the seal body 302. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the auxiliary seal chamber 336 may be disposed between the auxiliary front wall 338 and the seal body 302. The auxiliary front wall 338 may be positioned relative to the seal body 302 toward the inlet plenum 206. The auxiliary front wall 338 may be oriented transversely to the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204 (e.g., perpendicular to the rotational axis 210). As Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the auxiliary front wall 338 may be oriented parallel to the radial axis 222. In other embodiments, the auxiliary front wall 338 may be oriented obliquely to the radial axis 222.

[0067] In some embodiments, the sealed housing 300 may include an auxiliary axial wall 340 disposed between the transverse distal sidewall 306 and the auxiliary front wall 338. The auxiliary axial wall 340 may be oriented coaxially with (e.g., parallel to) the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204. Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the auxiliary axial wall 340 can be oriented perpendicular to the radial axis 222. In other embodiments, the auxiliary axial wall 340 can be oriented obliquely to the radial axis 222. The auxiliary axial wall 340 can be integrally integrated with or coupled to the transverse distal sidewall 306 and / or the auxiliary front wall 338. In other embodiments, the auxiliary front wall 338 can define a portion of the transverse distal sidewall 306. For example, the auxiliary front wall 338 can be integrally integrated with or coupled to the transverse distal sidewall 306. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary front wall 338 can extend from the transverse distal sidewall 306, such as in a parallel or oblique orientation relative to the transverse distal sidewall 306.

[0068] The auxiliary seal chamber 336 can receive at least a portion of the seal body 302, such as at least a portion of the rotor shoe 314. The rotor shoe 314 can move radially relative to the radial axis 222 within the auxiliary seal chamber 336, for example, in response to transient operating conditions and / or abnormal movement of the rotor 204. The rotor shoe 314 can be constructed and arranged to slidably engage with the auxiliary seal chamber 336 (e.g., with a surface of the auxiliary front wall 338 facing the rotor shoe). The axial width of the rotor shoe 314 and the axial width of the auxiliary seal chamber 336 relative to the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204 can be configured to have appropriate dimensional tolerances.

[0069] In some embodiments, seal assembly 202 may include an exhaust path 342. Exhaust path 342 may receive fluid from fluid bearing gap 322 and discharge the fluid to outlet plenum 208. Fluid along exhaust path 342 may flow from fluid bearing gap 322 to auxiliary seal chamber 336. Exhaust path 342 may be at least partially defined by auxiliary seal chamber 336. Fluid in auxiliary seal chamber 336 may flow from auxiliary seal chamber 336 to outlet plenum 208. Seal body 302 (e.g., rotor shoe 314) may include one or more exhaust conduits 344. The one or more exhaust conduits 344 may include one or more channels, conduits, passages, etc., extending through rotor shoe 314 downstream of fluid bearing gap 322. The one or more exhaust conduits 344 may be defined by the overall structure of seal body 302 and / or the overall structure of rotor shoe 314. The one or more exhaust conduits 344 may define at least a portion of exhaust path 342. The one or more exhaust conduits 344 may be in fluid communication with auxiliary seal chamber 336. One or more exhaust conduits 344 may provide fluid communication between the fluid bearing gap 322 and the auxiliary seal chamber 336 .

[0070] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more exhaust conduits 344, the seal body 302 may include one or more cross conduits 346. In some embodiments, the exhaust path 342 may include one or more exhaust conduits 344, an auxiliary seal chamber 336, and one or more cross conduits 346. The one or more cross conduits 346 may include one or more channels, conduits, passages, etc., extending through the seal body 302 downstream of the fluid bearing gap 322. For example, Figure 3A As shown, one or more cross conduits 346 may pass through the flange 318 of the seal body 302. In other embodiments, one or more cross conduits 346 may pass through the rotor shoe 314. Additionally or alternatively, for example, in embodiments of the seal body 302 that include a piston head 316 that is integrally integrated with or coupled to the rotor shoe 314, one or more cross conduits 346 may pass through the piston head 316. The one or more cross conduits 346 may be defined by the integral structure of the seal body 302 (e.g., by the integral structure of the flange 318 and / or another corresponding portion of the seal body 302). The one or more cross conduits 346 may define at least a portion of the exhaust path 342. The one or more cross conduits 346 may be in fluid communication with the outlet plenum 208. As Figure 3AAs shown, one or more cross conduits 346 can provide fluid communication between the auxiliary seal chamber 336 and the outlet plenum 208. Additionally or alternatively, one or more cross conduits 346 can provide fluid communication between the fluid bearing gap 322 and the outlet plenum 208. For example, the seal body 302 can include one or more cross conduits 346 that bypass the auxiliary seal chamber 336, and / or a seal assembly 202 can be provided that does not include the auxiliary seal chamber 336.

[0071] In some embodiments, the seal assembly 202 may include an expansion chamber 348. The expansion chamber 348 may be at least partially defined by the rotor shoe 314 of the seal body 302. The expansion chamber 348 may be disposed downstream of the fluid bearing gap 322. The expansion chamber 348 may receive fluid from the fluid bearing gap 322 and discharge the fluid to the outlet plenum 208. The expansion chamber 348 may define at least a portion of the exhaust path 342. In some embodiments, the expansion chamber 348 may be disposed upstream of one or more exhaust ducts 344. The expansion chamber 348 may be in fluid communication with the one or more exhaust ducts 344. Additionally or alternatively, the expansion chamber 348 may define at least a portion of the exhaust duct 344. Additionally or alternatively, the expansion chamber 348 may be in fluid communication with the auxiliary seal chamber 336. Additionally or alternatively, the expansion chamber 348 may be in fluid communication with the outlet plenum 208. As Figure 3A As shown, fluid can flow from the fluid bearing gap 322 to the expansion chamber 348. The fluid in the expansion chamber 348 can flow through one or more exhaust conduits 344 to the auxiliary seal chamber 336. The fluid in the auxiliary seal chamber 336 can flow through one or more cross conduits 346 to the outlet plenum 208. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more cross conduits 346 can be configured to balance lateral forces on the seal body 302. For example, as the pressure within the outlet plenum 208 and / or the auxiliary seal chamber 336 changes, the fluid can flow therebetween accordingly.

[0072] In some embodiments, the seal body 302 may include a transverse distal sealing wall 350. The transverse distal sealing wall 350 may be integrally integrated with or coupled to the seal body 302 (e.g., the rotor shoe 314). Additionally or alternatively, the transverse distal sealing wall 350 may be at least partially defined by the rotor shoe 314. With respect to the rotor shoe 314, the transverse distal sealing wall 350 may be positioned toward the inlet plenum 206 relative to the rotation axis 210. At least a portion of the expansion chamber 348 may be disposed between the transverse distal sealing wall 350 and the rotor shoe 314 (e.g., the surface of the rotor shoe 314 facing the expansion chamber). Additionally or alternatively, the expansion chamber 348 may be at least partially defined by the transverse distal sealing wall 350 and the rotor shoe 314 (e.g., the surface of the rotor shoe 314 facing the expansion chamber). The transverse distal sealing wall 350 may be oriented transversely to the rotation axis 210 of the rotor 204 (e.g., perpendicular to the rotation axis 210). As Figure 3A As shown, the transverse distal sealing wall 350 can be oriented parallel to the radial axis 222. In other embodiments, the transverse distal sealing wall 350 can be oriented obliquely to the radial axis 222.

[0073] The auxiliary seal chamber 336 can receive at least a portion of the transverse distal seal wall 350, such as at least a portion of the rotor shoe 314 defined by the transverse distal seal wall 350. The transverse distal seal wall 350 can move radially relative to the radial axis 222 within the auxiliary seal chamber 336, for example, in response to transient operating conditions and / or abnormal movement of the rotor 204. The transverse distal seal wall 350 can be constructed and arranged to slidably engage the auxiliary seal chamber 336 (e.g., with a surface of the auxiliary front wall 338 facing the rotor shoe). The axial width of the transverse distal seal wall 350 and the axial width of the auxiliary seal chamber 336 relative to the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204 can be configured to have suitable dimensional tolerances.

[0074] The transverse distal seal wall 350 may include one or more teeth 352 that provide a forward sealing interface 354 with the rotor 204. The forward sealing interface 354 between the one or more teeth 352 and the rotor 204 may include a non-contact interface. The forward sealing interface 354 provided by the transverse distal seal wall 350 and / or its one or more teeth 352 may inhibit fluid from flowing from the inlet plenum 206 into the expansion chamber 348 and / or the fluid bearing gap 322. In some embodiments, and / or during some operating conditions, fluid in the inlet plenum 206 may preferentially flow into the one or more fluid supply orifices 326, such as between the one or more fluid supply orifices 326 and the forward sealing interface 354. The preferential flow into the one or more fluid supply orifices 326 may be at least partially due to the forward sealing interface 354.

[0075] In some embodiments, the rotor 204 may include a step 356, such as Figure 3BAs shown. Step 356 can define a change in the circumference of rotor 204, for example, relative to radial axis 222. With respect to step 356, rotor face 214, seal face 212, and / or fluid bearing gap 322 between rotor face 214 and seal face 212 can be positioned toward outlet plenum 208 relative to rotational axis 210 of rotor 204. Additionally or alternatively, with respect to step 356, transverse distal seal wall 350 and / or forward seal interface 354 can be positioned toward inlet plenum 206 relative to rotational axis 210. For example, step 356 can be located between transverse distal seal wall 350 and rotor face 214 relative to rotational axis 210. Additionally or alternatively, rotor face 214 can be at least partially defined by a portion of rotor 204 positioned toward outlet plenum 208 relative to rotational axis 210. In some embodiments, rotor 204 can include transverse distal rotor face 358. Transverse distal rotor face 358 may be at least partially defined by a portion of rotor 204 positioned toward inlet plenum 206 relative to rotational axis 210. Additionally or alternatively, transverse distal rotor face 358 may coincide with one or more teeth 352 of transverse distal seal wall 350. Forward seal interface 354 may be at least partially defined by transverse distal rotor face 358.

[0076] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 3A As shown, the step 356 can coincide with the location of the expansion chamber 348 and / or the wall of the rotor shoe 314 facing the expansion chamber. With respect to the step 356, at least a portion of the expansion chamber can be positioned toward the inlet plenum 206 relative to the rotation axis 210. Additionally or alternatively, the step 356 can be positioned toward the inlet plenum 206 relative to the rotor shoe 314 (such as the wall of the rotor shoe 314 facing the expansion chamber). Additionally or alternatively, the step 356 can define at least a portion of the expansion chamber 348.

[0077] In some embodiments, the seal assembly 202 may include a secondary leak path 360. The secondary leak path 360 may supply fluid to the fluid bearing gap 322, in addition to or in lieu of supplying fluid to the primary leak path 324. Fluid along the secondary leak path 360 may flow from the inlet plenum 206 to the fluid bearing gap 322 and / or to the one or more exhaust conduits 344. Fluid in the fluid bearing gap 322 may flow from the fluid bearing gap 322 to the outlet plenum 208. The secondary leak path 360 may be at least partially defined by the front seal interface 354. The secondary leak path 360 may be at least partially defined by the expansion chamber 348. The secondary leak path 360 may be at least partially defined by the fluid bearing gap 322. As Figure 3AAs shown, secondary leak path 360 may include front seal interface 354, expansion chamber 348, and fluid bearing gap 322. Inlet plenum 206 may be in fluid communication with expansion chamber 348 at least partially through front seal interface 354. Expansion chamber 348 may be in fluid communication with fluid bearing gap 322.

[0078] In some embodiments, pressurized fluid within fluid bearing gap 322 may be provided by primary leak path 324, secondary leak path 360, and / or both primary leak path 324 and secondary leak path 360, depending on, for example, one or more operating conditions of rotary machine 200. Additionally or alternatively, whether pressurized fluid within fluid bearing gap 322 is provided by primary leak path 324, secondary leak path 360, and / or both primary leak path 324 and secondary leak path 360 may depend, at least in part, on the position of seal body 302 relative to rotor 204 and / or relative to seal housing 300 along radial axis 222. As seal body 302 moves toward seal housing 300 and / or away from rotor 204 relative to the radial axis, the radial width of fluid bearing gap 322 may increase and / or the radial width of forward seal interface 354 may increase. As seal body 302 moves relative to the radial axis toward rotor 204 and / or away from seal housing 300, the radial width of fluid bearing gap 322 can decrease and / or the radial width of front seal interface 354 can decrease. In some embodiments, when fluid bearing gap 322 and / or front seal interface 354 have relatively large radial widths, at least a portion of the pressurized fluid within fluid bearing gap 322 can be provided by secondary leakage path 360. As the radial width of fluid bearing gap 322 and / or front seal interface 354 decreases, fluid flow along secondary leakage path 360 can decrease and / or fluid flow along primary leakage path 324 can increase.

[0079] In some embodiments, the sealed housing 300 may include one or more seal body positioning exhaust ports 362. The one or more seal body positioning exhaust ports 362 can supply fluid to and / or from the sealed chamber 304. The fluid supplied to and / or from the sealed chamber 304 by the one or more seal body positioning exhaust ports 362 can cause the seal body 302 to move relative to the sealed housing 300 along the radial axis 222, for example, by the fluid exerting a force on a portion of the seal body 302 within the sealed chamber 304 (e.g., the piston head 316). The one or more seal body positioning exhaust ports 362 may include one or more outlet chamber positioning exhaust ports 364 and / or one or more inlet chamber positioning exhaust ports 366.

[0080] One or more outlet plenum positioning vents 364 can provide fluid communication between a proximal region 368 of the seal chamber 304 and the outlet plenum 208. The proximal region 368 of the seal chamber 304 can be located between and / or at least partially defined by a radially proximal wall 312 of the seal housing 300 and a portion of the seal body 302 disposed within the seal chamber 304 (e.g., a piston head 316). Figure 3A As shown, one or more outlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 364 can be disposed about the radially proximal end wall 312 of the seal housing 300. For example, the radially proximal end wall 312 can include one or more outlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 364 located on opposite sides of the seal body 302 relative to the rotational axis 210 of the rotary machine 200. Additionally or alternatively, one or more outlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 364 can be disposed about the transverse proximal side wall 308 of the seal housing 300.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, one or more inlet plenum positioning vents 366 provide fluid communication between a distal region 370 of the seal chamber 304 and the inlet plenum 206. The distal region 370 of the seal chamber 304 may be located between and / or at least partially defined by the radially distal wall 310 of the seal housing 300 and a portion of the seal body 302 disposed within the seal chamber 304 (e.g., the piston head 316). Figure 3A As shown, one or more inlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 366 may be disposed about the transverse distal sidewall 306 of the sealed housing 300. Additionally or alternatively, one or more inlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 366 may be disposed about the radially distal sidewall 310 of the sealed housing 300.

[0082] In some embodiments, the one or more inlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 366 may include one or more fluid supply orifices 326. Additionally or alternatively, the sealed enclosure 300 may include one or more inlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 366 that are separate from and in addition to the one or more fluid supply orifices 326. For example, in some embodiments, such as with reference to Figure 5A and 5BAs shown, the sealed housing 300 may include one or more fluid supply orifices 326 located at an axially proximal position of the sealed housing 300 relative to the distal region 370 of the sealed chamber 304. Such fluid supply orifices 326 may be in fluid communication with the proximal region 368 of the sealed chamber 304 and / or with one or more fluid conduits 328 defined by the seal body 302. In addition to the one or more fluid supply orifices 326 located at an axially proximal position of the sealed housing 300 relative to the distal region 370 of the sealed chamber 304, the sealed housing 300 may also include one or more inlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 366.

[0083] During operation of rotary machine 200, seal body 302 may move relative to seal housing 300 and / or rotor 204 along radial axis 222 depending at least in part on one or more operating conditions. In some embodiments, the position of seal body 302 relative to seal housing 300 and / or rotor 204 relative to radial axis 222 may depend at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in inlet plenum 206, the pressure of the fluid in outlet plenum 208, and / or the pressure differential between inlet plenum 206 and outlet plenum 208.

[0084] In some embodiments, the position of seal body 302 relative to seal housing 300 and / or rotor 204 can depend on the pressure and / or pressure differential relative to inlet plenum 206 and outlet plenum 208, and / or can be balanced at least in part based on the pressure and / or pressure differential relative to inlet plenum 206 and outlet plenum 208. Additionally or alternatively, the position of seal body 302 relative to seal housing 300 and / or rotor 204 relative to radial axis 222 can depend on the rotational speed of rotor 204, and / or can be balanced at least in part based on the rotational speed of rotor 204. The pressure or pressure differential can depend at least in part on the rotational speed of rotor 204 and / or the operating conditions of rotary machine 200 corresponding to the rotational speed, and / or can be proportional to the rotational speed of rotor 204 and / or the operating conditions of rotary machine 200 corresponding to the rotational speed. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure or pressure differential and / or the rotational speed can correspond to the output power of rotary machine 200, and / or can be proportional to the output power of rotary machine 200.

[0085] When fluid flows from the inlet plenum 206 into the distal region 370 of the sealed chamber 304, for example, through one or more inlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 366, the fluid in the distal region 370 of the sealed chamber 304 can exert a force on the sealing body 302 (e.g., on the piston head 316). The force exerted on the sealing body 302 (e.g., on the piston head 316) can cause the sealing body 302 to move relative to the sealed housing 300 in the proximal direction along the radial axis 222. When the piston head 316 moves in the proximal direction within the sealed chamber 304, for example, in response to the force exerted on the piston head 316 by the fluid in the distal region 370 of the sealed chamber 304, the volume of the proximal region 368 of the sealed chamber 304 can shrink. The movement of the piston head 316 in the proximal direction can cause the fluid in the proximal region 368 of the sealed chamber 304 to flow through the one or more outlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 364 and into the outlet plenum 208. Additionally or alternatively, fluid may flow from the outlet plenum 208 into the one or more outlet plenum-positioned vents 364 into the proximal region 368 of the sealed chamber 304. For example, fluid may flow into the proximal region 368 of the sealed chamber 304 through the one or more outlet plenum-positioned vents 364 due to an increase in the pressure of the fluid in the outlet plenum 208, a decrease in the pressure of the fluid in the inlet plenum 206, and / or a decrease in the pressure differential between the inlet plenum 206 and the outlet plenum 208.

[0086] When fluid flows from the outlet plenum 208 into the proximal region 368 of the sealed chamber 304, for example, through one or more outlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 364, the fluid in the proximal region 368 of the sealed chamber 304 can exert a force on the sealing body 302 (e.g., on the piston head 316). The force exerted on the sealing body 302 (e.g., on the piston head 316) can cause the sealing body 302 to move in the distal direction relative to the sealed housing 300 along the radial axis 222. When the piston head 316 moves in the distal direction within the sealed chamber 304, for example, in response to the force exerted on the piston head 316 by the fluid in the proximal region 368 of the sealed chamber 304, the volume of the distal region 370 of the sealed chamber 304 can shrink. The movement of the piston head 316 in the distal direction can cause the fluid in the distal region 370 of the sealed chamber 304 to flow through the one or more inlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 366 and into the inlet plenum 206. Additionally or alternatively, movement of the piston head 316 in the distal direction may cause fluid in the distal region 370 of the sealed chamber 304 to flow through the one or more fluid conduits 328 and into the fluid bearing gap 322 .

[0087] In some embodiments, one or more operating conditions of the rotary machine 200 (e.g., pressure and / or pressure differential relative to the inlet plenum 206 and the outlet plenum 208, and / or the rotational speed of the rotor 204) may correspond, at least in part, to a mission phase of the rotary machine 200. For example, during startup of the rotary machine 200, the pressure, pressure differential, and / or rotational speed may be relatively low. Such pressure, pressure differential, and / or rotational speed may increase as the output power of the rotary machine increases. As another example, for a turbine engine 100 (such as an aircraft engine), the turbine engine 100 may require high output power during a mission phase that includes at least one of: takeoff, climb, aggressive maneuvering, high speed, rapid acceleration, and / or landing. Such a turbine engine 100 may require relatively low output power during a mission phase that includes at least one of: idling, taxiing, cruising, deceleration, and / or low speed. In some embodiments, seal assembly 202 can be configured such that the position of seal body 302 relative to seal housing 300 and / or rotor 204 relative to radial axis 222 can correspond to one or more operating conditions and / or mission stages of rotary machine 200. In some embodiments, the position of seal body 302 relative to seal housing 300 and / or rotor 204 can provide a fluid bearing gap 322, the radial width of which depends at least in part on one or more operating conditions and / or mission stages of rotary machine 200. Additionally or alternatively, the position of seal body 302 relative to seal housing 300 and / or rotor 204 can provide a suitable fluid flow to fluid bearing gap 322 via primary leakage path 324 and / or secondary leakage path 360. The radial width of fluid bearing gap 322, and / or the fluid flow along primary leakage path 324 and / or secondary leakage path 360, can be selected, at least in part, to provide suitable sealing and / or non-contacting characteristics of seal assembly 202. For example, the position of seal body 302 relative to seal housing 300 and / or rotor 204, and / or the corresponding radial width of fluid bearing gap 322 and / or the fluid flow therethrough may be selected, at least in part, to avoid excessive leakage from inlet plenum 206 to outlet plenum 208. Additionally or alternatively, the position of seal body 302 relative to seal housing 300 and / or rotor 204, and / or the corresponding radial width of fluid bearing gap 322 and / or the fluid flow therethrough may be selected, at least in part, to inhibit contact between rotor shoe 314 and rotor 204 (e.g., between seal face 212 and rotor face 214, and / or between one or more teeth 352 of transverse distal seal wall 350 and transverse distal rotor face 358).

[0088] For example, when the rotary machine 200 is operated in a first operating condition, the seal body 302 may be in a first position relative to the seal housing 300 and / or the rotor 204. When the rotary machine 200 is operated in a second operating condition, the seal body 302 may be in a second position relative to the seal housing 300 and / or the rotor 204. The first operating condition and / or the second operating condition may correspond to a first pressure and / or pressure differential relative to the inlet plenum 206 and / or the outlet plenum 208. Additionally or alternatively, the first operating condition and / or the second operating condition may correspond to a rotational speed of the rotor 204. Additionally or alternatively, when the rotary machine 200 is operated during a first mission phase, the seal body 302 may be in the first position relative to the seal housing 300 and / or the rotor 204. When the rotary machine 200 is operated during a second mission phase, the seal body 302 may be in the second position relative to the seal housing 300 and / or the rotor 204. The first mission phase may include at least one of: idling, coasting, cruising, decelerating, and / or driving at low speed. The first mission phase may include operating the rotary machine 200 at a first operating condition. The second mission phase may include at least one of: takeoff, climb, aggressive maneuvering, high speed travel, rapid acceleration, and / or landing. The second mission phase may include operating the rotary machine 200 at a second operating condition.

[0089] In some embodiments, when the rotary machine 200 is operated in a first operating condition, at least a portion of the pressurized fluid within the fluid bearing gap 322 can be provided by the secondary leakage path 360. In some embodiments, when the rotary machine 200 is operated in the first operating condition, the pressure drop across the secondary leakage path 360 can be less than the pressure drop across the primary leakage path 324, e.g., such that fluid flow along the secondary leakage path 360 exceeds fluid flow along the primary leakage path 324. In some embodiments, when the rotary machine 200 is operated in the first operating condition, substantially all of the pressurized fluid within the fluid bearing gap 322 can be provided by the secondary leakage path 360. Additionally or alternatively, when the rotary machine 200 is operated in a second operating condition, at least a portion of the pressurized fluid within the fluid bearing gap 322 can be provided by the primary leakage path 324. In some embodiments, when the rotary machine 200 is operated in the second operating condition, the pressure drop across the primary leakage path 324 can be less than the pressure drop across the secondary leakage path 360, e.g., such that fluid flow along the primary leakage path 324 exceeds fluid flow along the secondary leakage path 360. In some embodiments, when the rotary machine 200 is operated at the second operating condition, substantially all of the pressurized fluid within the fluid bearing gap 322 can be provided by the primary leakage path 324. Additionally or alternatively, when the rotary machine 200 is operated at the second operating condition, the pressurized fluid within the fluid bearing gap 322 can be provided at least partially by the primary leakage path 324 and at least partially by the secondary leakage path. In some embodiments, the pressure and / or pressure differential relative to the inlet plenum 206 and / or the outlet plenum 208 corresponding to the first operating condition can be less than the pressure and / or pressure differential corresponding to the second operating condition. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the rotational speed of the rotor 204 corresponding to the first operating condition can be less than the rotational speed of the rotor 204 corresponding to the second operating condition. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the radial width of the fluid bearing gap 322 corresponding to the first operating condition can be greater than the radial width of the fluid bearing gap 322 corresponding to the second operating condition.

[0090] In some embodiments, rotary machine 200 may be operated at a third operating condition. The third operating condition may correspond to a mission phase including at least one of: takeoff, climb, aggressive maneuvering, high-speed travel, rapid acceleration, and / or landing. In some embodiments, when rotary machine 200 is operated at the third operating condition, at least a portion of the pressurized fluid within fluid bearing gap 322 may be provided by primary leakage path 324, and at least a portion of the pressurized fluid within fluid bearing gap 322 may be provided by secondary leakage path 360. In some embodiments, when rotary machine 200 is operated at the second operating condition, the pressure drop across primary leakage path 324 may be less than the pressure drop across secondary leakage path 360, e.g., such that fluid flow along primary leakage path 324 exceeds fluid flow along secondary leakage path 360. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, when rotary machine 200 is operated at the third operating condition, the pressure drop across secondary leakage path 360 may be less than the pressure drop across primary leakage path 324, e.g., such that fluid flow along secondary leakage path 360 exceeds fluid flow along primary leakage path 324. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, when the rotary machine 200 is operated at the third operating condition, substantially all of the pressurized fluid within the fluid bearing gap 322 can be provided by the secondary leakage path 360. In some embodiments, the pressure differential between the inlet plenum 206 and the outlet plenum 208 corresponding to the third operating condition can be less than the pressure differential corresponding to the second operating condition. Additionally or alternatively, the rotational speed of the rotor 204 corresponding to the third operating condition can be greater than the rotational speed of the rotor 204 corresponding to the second operating condition. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the radial width of the fluid bearing gap 322 corresponding to the third operating condition can be greater than the radial width of the fluid bearing gap 322 corresponding to the second operating condition.

[0091] In some embodiments, the seal assembly 202 may include one or more piston rings 372. The one or more piston rings 372 may be disposed around the interface between the seal housing 300 and the seal body 302, respectively. The piston rings 372 may be seated in corresponding recesses or grooves in the seal housing 300 or the seal body 302. The one or more piston rings 372 may be configured to inhibit fluid leakage through the corresponding interface between the seal housing 300 and the seal body 302. Figure 3AAs shown, the seal assembly 202 may include a piston ring 372 disposed about an interface between the seal body 302 and the transverse distal sidewall 306 of the seal housing 300 (e.g., between the transverse distal sidewall 306 and the piston head 316). Additionally or alternatively, the seal assembly 202 may include a piston ring 372 disposed about an interface between the seal body 302 and the transverse proximal sidewall 308 of the seal housing 300 (e.g., between the transverse proximal sidewall 308 and the piston head 316). Additionally or alternatively, the seal assembly 202 may include a piston ring 372 disposed about an interface between the seal body 302 and the radially proximal wall 312 of the seal housing 300, for example, on the side opposite the flange 318 of the seal body 302. Additionally or alternatively, the seal assembly 202 may include a piston ring 372 disposed about an interface between the seal body 302 and the auxiliary front wall 338 of the seal housing 300 (e.g., between the auxiliary front wall 338 and the transverse distal seal wall 350 of the seal body 302). These locations of seal housing 300 and / or these locations of seal body 302 may include recesses, grooves, etc. configured to receive corresponding piston rings.

[0092] Still refer to Figure 3A and 3B , and further reference Figure 2A In some embodiments, when the seal assembly 202 includes a plurality of seal segments 216, circumferentially adjacent seal segments 216 may be coupled to each other at corresponding segment interfaces 218. Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the respective segment interfaces 218 may include one or more engagement elements 374 disposed about the respective seal housings 300 of circumferentially adjacent seal segments 216. The one or more engagement elements 374 disposed about the first seal housing 300 of a first seal segment 216 may mate with corresponding one or more engagement elements 374 disposed about the second seal housing 300 of a second seal segment 216, the second seal segment 216 being positioned circumferentially adjacent to the first seal segment 216. Additionally or alternatively, the respective segment interfaces 218 may include one or more engagement elements 374 disposed about the respective seal bodies 302 of circumferentially adjacent seal segments 216. The one or more engagement elements 374 disposed about the first seal body 302 of a first seal segment 216 may mate with corresponding one or more engagement elements 374 disposed about the second seal body 302 of a second seal segment 216, the second seal segment 216 being positioned circumferentially adjacent to the first seal segment 216.

[0093] like Figure 3AAs shown, one or more engagement elements 374 can be configured as lap joints. It should be understood that other engagement elements are contemplated in addition to or in lieu of lap joints. By way of example, the engagement elements 374 can include press-fit joints, snap-fit ​​joints, dovetail joints, tongue-and-groove joints, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more engagement elements 374 disposed about the seal housing 300 of a corresponding seal segment 216 can inhibit movement of the corresponding seal housing 300 and / or inhibit fluid leakage at the segment interface 218 (e.g., between circumferentially adjacent seal housings 300). Additionally or alternatively, the one or more engagement elements 374 disposed about the seal body 302 of a corresponding seal segment 216 can allow movement of the seal body 302 along a radial axis while inhibiting movement of the seal body 302 along the rotational axis 210 of the rotor 204. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more engagement elements 374 disposed about the seal body 302 of a corresponding seal segment 216 can inhibit fluid leakage at the segment interface 218 (e.g., between circumferentially adjacent seal bodies 302).

[0094] In some embodiments, as Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the seal housing 300 may include one or more piston stops 376 extending into the seal chamber 304 (e.g., into the distal region 370 of the seal chamber 304). The one or more piston stops 376 may provide a limit to the range of motion of the seal body 302. For example, the one or more piston stops 376 may prevent the piston head 316 and / or another portion of the seal body 302 from blocking the one or more fluid supply orifices 326. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the one or more piston stops 376 may be omitted, for example to allow the piston head 316 and / or another portion of the seal body 302 to block the one or more fluid supply orifices 326 at a corresponding position of the seal body 302 relative to the seal housing 300. For example, in some embodiments, the piston head 316 and / or another portion of the seal body 302 may block the one or more fluid supply orifices 326 during operation of the turbine engine 100 at idle or cruise operating conditions. Additionally or alternatively, during operation of turbine engine 100 in the high power operating state, one or more fluid supply apertures 326 may be open or unobstructed by piston head 316 and / or another portion of seal body 302 .

[0095] Now turn Figure 4A and 4B , further describing the exemplary seal assembly 202. As shown, the seal assembly 202 may include a plurality of positioning arms 400. Each seal segment 216 may include at least one positioning arm 400. One or more positioning arms 400 may position the seal body 302 in a suitable position relative to the radial axis 222, for example, to provide a suitable fluid bearing gap 322. Figure 4AAs shown, one or more positioning arms 400 can be integrally integrated with the corresponding seal housing 300. Additionally or alternatively, as also shown, one or more positioning arms 400 can be integrally integrated with the corresponding seal body 302. Additionally or alternatively, one or more positioning arms 400 can be coupled to the corresponding seal housing 300 and / or the corresponding seal body 302. Additionally or alternatively, one or more positioning arms 400 can be positioned in a floating relationship relative to the corresponding seal housing 300 and / or relative to the corresponding seal body 302.

[0096] In some embodiments, the one or more locating arms 400 may include one or more radially distal locating arms 402 disposed within the distal region 370 of the seal chamber 304 (e.g., between the radially distal wall 310 of the seal housing 300 and a portion of the seal body 302 disposed within the seal chamber 304 (e.g., the piston head 316). Figure 4A As shown, one or more radially distal locating arms 402 can be integrally integrated with or coupled to the seal body 302 (e.g., the piston head 316). As also shown, one or more radially distal locating arms 402 can be positioned in a floating relationship relative to the seal housing 300 (e.g., relative to the radially distal wall 310 of the seal housing 300). Additionally or alternatively, the seal assembly 202 can include one or more radially distal locating arms 402 integrally integrated with or coupled to the seal housing 300 (e.g., the radially distal wall 310 of the seal housing 300), and / or the seal assembly 202 can include one or more radially distal locating arms 402 positioned in a floating relationship relative to the seal body 302 (e.g., the piston head 316).

[0097] In some embodiments, the one or more locating arms 400 may include one or more radially proximal locating arms 404 disposed within the proximal region 368 of the seal chamber 304 (e.g., between the radially proximal wall 312 of the seal housing 300 and a portion of the seal body 302 disposed within the seal chamber 304 (e.g., the piston head 316). Figure 4A As shown, one or more radial proximal locating arms 404 can be integrally integrated with or coupled to the seal housing 300 (e.g., the radial proximal end wall 312 of the seal housing 300). As also shown, one or more radial proximal locating arms 404 can be positioned in a floating relationship relative to the seal body 302 (e.g., the piston head). Additionally or alternatively, the seal assembly 202 can include one or more radial proximal locating arms 404 integrally integrated with or coupled to the seal body 302 (e.g., the piston head 316), and / or the seal assembly 202 can include one or more radial proximal locating arms 404 positioned in a floating relationship relative to the seal housing 300 (e.g., the radial proximal end wall 312 of the seal housing 300).

[0098] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 4BAs shown, the one or more positioning arms 400 may include one or more radially proximal positioning arms 404 disposed at a proximal position relative to the radial axis 222 relative to the seal housing 300. For example, the one or more radially proximal positioning arms 404 may be disposed between the seal housing 300 and the rotor shoe 314 of the seal housing 300, such as between the radially proximal wall 312 of the seal housing 300 and the rotor shoe 314. Figure 4B As shown, one or more radially proximal locating arms 404 can be integrally integrated with or coupled to the seal body 302 (e.g., the rotor shoe 314). As also shown, one or more radially proximal locating arms 404 can be positioned in a floating relationship relative to the seal housing 300 (e.g., relative to the radially proximal end wall 312 of the seal housing 300). Additionally or alternatively, the seal assembly 202 can include one or more radially proximal locating arms 404 integrally integrated with or coupled to the seal housing 300 (e.g., the radially proximal end wall 312 of the seal housing 300), and / or the seal assembly 202 can include one or more radially proximal locating arms 404 positioned in a floating relationship relative to the seal body 302 (e.g., the rotor shoe 314).

[0099] In some embodiments, the one or more positioning arms 400 can inhibit movement of the seal body 302 relative to the seal housing 300 along the radial axis 222, for example, in response to a change in pressure and / or pressure differential relative to the pressure or pressure differential between the inlet plenum 206 and the outlet plenum 208. For example, at least a portion of the range of movement of the seal body 302 relative to the seal housing 300 along the radial axis 222 can be at least partially inhibited by the one or more positioning arms 400. The one or more positioning arms 400 can have a resilient nature selected to provide suitable damping. In some embodiments, the seal body 302 can be free-floating relative to the seal housing 300 along the radial axis for at least a portion of the range of movement of the seal body 302. The one or more positioning arms 400 can inhibit all or a portion of the range of movement of the seal body 302. In some embodiments, the one or more positioning arms 400 can be configured as a leaf spring, a ripple spring, a compression spring, a disc spring, a garter spring, a finger spring, a wave spring, a linear wave spring, or the like.

[0100] In some embodiments, the position of one or more positioning arms 400 can depend at least in part on the temperature of the one or more positioning arms 400. The temperature of the one or more positioning arms 400 can depend at least in part on one or more operating conditions of the rotary machine 200, such as the temperature of the fluid flowing along the primary leakage path 324 and / or the secondary leakage path 360. In some embodiments, the one or more positioning arms 400 can be configured such that thermal expansion of the one or more positioning arms 400 provides a position of the rotor shoe 314 and / or a corresponding radial width of the fluid bearing gap 322 that is consistent with one or more operating conditions of the rotary machine 200. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the one or more positioning arms 400 can be formed from a shape memory alloy. Exemplary shape memory alloys include copper-aluminum-nickel alloys, nickel-titanium alloys, iron-manganese-silicon alloys, copper-zinc-aluminum alloys, copper-aluminum-nickel alloys, and combinations thereof.

[0101] Now refer to Figure 5A and 5B , further describing the exemplary sealing assembly 202. Figure 5A and 5B As shown, in some embodiments, seal assembly 202 can include a seal housing 300 having one or more fluid supply orifices 326 in fluid communication with seal chamber 304 (e.g., with a proximal region 368 of seal chamber 304). Additionally or alternatively, seal assembly 202 can include a seal body 302 having one or more fluid conduits 328 in fluid communication with proximal region 368 of seal chamber 304. In some embodiments, primary leak path 324 can include proximal region 368 of seal chamber 304.

[0102] In some embodiments, the sealed housing 300 may include one or more seal body positioning vents 362, such as one or more inlet plenum positioning vents 366, that provide fluid communication between the inlet plenum 206 and the sealed chamber 304. In addition to the one or more fluid supply orifices 326, one or more inlet plenum positioning vents 366 may also be provided. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5A and 5B As shown, one or more inlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 366 can be in fluid communication with a distal region 370 of the sealed chamber 304. Additionally or alternatively, the sealed housing 300 can include one or more outlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 364 that provide fluid communication between the sealed chamber 304 and the outlet plenum 208. In some embodiments, as shown Figure 5A and 5B As shown, one or more outlet plenum positioning exhaust ports 364 may be in fluid communication with a distal region 370 of the sealed chamber 304 .

[0103] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 5B As shown, seal assembly 202 may include a seal housing 300 having a plurality of fluid supply apertures 326. Seal assembly 202 may include a seal body 302 having one or more fluid conduits 328 that are in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of fluid supply apertures 326 depending at least in part on a position of seal body 302 relative to seal housing 300 along radial axis 222. Additionally or alternatively, seal body 302 may include a plurality of fluid conduits that are in fluid communication with the one or more fluid supply apertures 326 depending at least in part on a position of seal body 302 relative to seal housing 300 along radial axis 222.

[0104] For example, Figure 5B As shown, when the seal body 302 is in a first position relative to the seal housing 300 along the radial axis 222, the first fluid supply orifice 500 can be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit 502. When the seal body 302 is in a second position relative to the seal housing 300 along the radial axis 222, the second fluid supply orifice 504 can be in fluid communication with the second fluid conduit 506. In some embodiments, when the seal body 302 is in the first position, the second fluid supply orifice 504 can be blocked, for example, by a portion of the seal body 302 (such as by a portion of the piston head 316), such that the first fluid supply orifice 500 is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit 502. Additionally or alternatively, when the seal body 302 is in the first position, the second fluid supply orifice 504 can be in fluid communication with the proximal region 368 of the seal chamber 304. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, when the seal body 302 is in the second position, the first fluid supply orifice 500 can be blocked, for example, by a portion of the seal body 302 (such as by a portion of the piston head 316), such that the second fluid supply orifice 504 is in fluid communication with the second fluid conduit 506. Additionally or alternatively, when the seal body 302 is in the second position, the first fluid supply orifice 500 can be in fluid communication with the distal region 370 of the seal chamber 304. In some embodiments, the first fluid supply orifice 500 can be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit 502 and the second fluid conduit 506, depending on the position of the seal body 302 relative to the seal housing 300 along the radial axis 222. Additionally or alternatively, the second fluid supply orifice 504 can be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit 502 and the second fluid conduit 506, depending on the position of the seal body 302 relative to the seal housing 300 along the radial axis 222.

[0105] Respective fluid supply orifices in the plurality of fluid supply orifices 326 and / or corresponding fluid conduits in the plurality of fluid conduits 328 can provide different specific pressure drops between the plurality of fluid supply orifices, thereby providing a plurality of different primary leakage paths 324 that each provide different rates of fluid flow to the fluid bearing gap 322. Respective primary leakage paths in the plurality of primary leakage paths 324 can correspond to one or more operating conditions of the rotary machine 200. For example, when the rotary machine is operating according to a first operating condition, the seal assembly 202 can provide fluid to the fluid bearing gap 322 via the first primary leakage path 508. Additionally or alternatively, when the rotary machine is operating according to a second operating condition, the seal assembly 202 can provide fluid to the fluid bearing gap 322 via the second primary leakage path 510. The operating conditions of the rotary machine 200 may include and / or correspond to pressures and / or pressure differentials relative to the inlet plenum 206 and the outlet plenum 208, and / or the rotational speed of the rotor 204. Additionally or alternatively, the operating conditions of the rotary machine may correspond to a mission phase of the rotary machine 200 as described herein.

[0106] Now turn Figures 6A-6E , further describing an exemplary seal body 302. As shown, the seal body 302 and / or the rotor shoe 314 may include a sealing surface 212 having one or more orifices 600. The one or more orifices 600 may define a radially proximal opening 330 of a fluid conduit 328 and / or may otherwise be coupled to the one or more fluid conduits 328 ( Figure 3A and 3B , 5A and 5B) are fluidically connected. As an example, Figure 6A As shown, the seal body 302 and / or the rotor shoe 314 may include a seal face 212 having a single orifice 600 in fluid communication with the fluid conduit 328. As another example, Figure 6B As shown, the seal body 302 and / or the rotor shoe 314 may include a seal face 212 having a plurality of orifices 600. The plurality of orifices 600 may be in fluid communication with one or more fluid conduits 328. In some embodiments, for example, Figure 6C and 6D As shown, the seal body 302 may include a sealing face 212 having a plurality of channels 602 configured to distribute fluid from one or more orifices 600 across the sealing face 212. Figure 6C As shown, the sealing surface 212 may include a plurality of channels 602 having terminal ends in the rotor shoe 314 and / or the sealing surface 212. Additionally or alternatively, as shown Figure 6DAs shown, the rotor shoe 314 and / or the sealing surface 212 may include a plurality of channels 602 in fluid communication with the periphery of the sealing surface 212. In some embodiments, the rotor shoe 314 and / or the sealing surface 212 may include a porous medium 604. The porous medium 604 may define a plurality of orifices 600 in fluid communication with one or more fluid conduits 328. The configuration and arrangement of the one or more orifices 600, the plurality of channels 602, and / or the porous medium 604 may be selected, at least in part, to provide a desired radial width of the fluid bearing gap 322, and / or to provide a desired radial width of the fluid bearing gap 322 ( Figure 3A and 3B Additionally or alternatively, the configuration and arrangement of the one or more orifices 600 can be selected, at least in part, to provide a desired pressure distribution across the sealing face 212.

[0107] Now refer to Figure 7 , describes an exemplary method of manufacturing the seal assembly 202. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the seal assembly 202 may be manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques. Additionally or alternatively, one or more portions of the seal assembly 202 may be additively manufactured using other techniques (e.g., casting, forging, machining, extrusion, etc.). Figure 7 As shown, an exemplary method 700 for manufacturing a seal assembly 202 may include manufacturing one or more seal segments 216 at block 702. The one or more seal segments 216 may include a seal housing 300 and a seal body 302. For example, the seal segment 216 may include a seal housing 300 and a plurality of seal bodies 302. Additionally or alternatively, the seal segment 216 may include one seal housing and one seal body 302. The respective seal housing 300 may have an annular configuration or a semi-annular configuration. The respective seal body 302 may have a semi-annular configuration. Manufacturing the one or more seal segments 216 may include manufacturing the seal housing 300 at block 704. At block 706, manufacturing the one or more seal segments 216 may include manufacturing the seal body 302. At block 708, manufacturing the one or more seal segments 216 may include installing the seal body 302 in the seal housing 300. For example, a portion of the seal body 302 (e.g., the piston head 316 and / or the flange 318) can be inserted into the seal chamber 304 of the seal housing 300 from a radial end of the seal housing 300. In some embodiments, the seal housing 300 and / or the seal body 302 can be additively manufactured. In some embodiments, the seal housing 300 and the seal body 302 can be additively manufactured simultaneously, for example, wherein the seal body 302 is manufactured in place within the seal housing 300.

[0108] Additionally or alternatively, such as Figure 7As shown, an exemplary method 700 for manufacturing a seal assembly 202 may include, at block 710, additively manufacturing a seal housing 300 and a seal body 302, wherein the seal body 302 is manufactured in position within the seal housing 300. For example, the seal housing 300 and the seal body 302 may be additively manufactured, wherein the seal chamber 304 of the seal housing 300 has at least a portion of the seal body 302 located therein, such as a piston head 316 and / or a flange 318 of the seal body 302 located within the seal chamber 304. In some embodiments, manufacturing one or more seal segments 216 may include, at block 712, additively manufacturing one or more support structures that support the seal body 302 in position relative to the seal housing 300. The support structures may be located around the exterior of the seal segment and / or the interior of the seal segment. In some embodiments, manufacturing one or more seal segments 216 may include, at block 714, removing one or more support structures. The one or more support structures may be removed by any suitable method. For example, the support structures may be cut away using an electrical discharge machine (EDM) (e.g., a wire EDM or other suitable cutting tool). Additionally or alternatively, a chemical etching process may be used to remove the support structure.In some embodiments, one or more seal segments 216 may be additively manufactured with the seal body 302 manufactured in place within the seal housing 300 without the need for a support structure.

[0109] In some embodiments, the exemplary method 700 of manufacturing the seal assembly 202 may include coupling the plurality of seal segments 216 to one another at block 716. As an example, the plurality of seal segments 216 may be coupled to one another by press-fitting, welding, brazing, snap rings, bolts, or other suitable attachment hardware. In some embodiments, one or more seal segments 216 may be coupled to one another by one or more engagement elements 374 disposed about the corresponding seal housing 300 and / or disposed about the corresponding seal body 302. Figure 3A and 3B ) are connected to each other.

[0110] Now refer to Figure 8 , an exemplary method of sealing the rotor 204 of the rotary machine 200 is described. Figure 8 As shown, the exemplary method 800 may include, at block 802, flowing a fluid through a sealing face 212 disposed on the seal assembly 202 and a rotor face 214 ( Figure 3A and 3B) between the fluid bearing gap 322. The seal assembly 202 may include a seal housing 300 and a seal body 302. The seal housing 300 may include one or more fluid supply orifices 326 passing through the seal housing 300, and the seal body 302 may include one or more fluid conduits 328 passing through the seal body 302. Fluid can flow from the inlet plenum 206 to the fluid bearing gap 322 through the one or more fluid supply orifices 326 and the one or more fluid conduits 328. The one or more fluid supply orifices 326 can be in fluid communication with the inlet plenum 206, and the one or more fluid conduits 328 can be in fluid communication with the one or more fluid supply orifices 326, for example, through the seal chamber 304. The one or more fluid conduits 328 can be in fluid communication with the fluid bearing gap 322. Fluid can flow from the fluid bearing gap 322 to the outlet plenum 208, which is in fluid communication with the fluid bearing gap 322.

[0111] At block 804, the exemplary method 800 may include moving the seal body 302 relative to the seal housing 300 along the radial axis 222 of the rotary machine 200 while flowing fluid through the fluid bearing gap 322. The seal housing 300 may include a seal chamber 304, and at least a portion of the seal body 302 may be disposed within the seal chamber 304. For example, the seal body 302 may include a piston head 316 and / or a flange 318 disposed within the seal chamber 304. Moving the seal body 302 along the radial axis 222 may include moving at least a portion of the seal body (e.g., the piston head 316 and / or the flange 318 of the seal body 302) within the seal chamber 304. Additionally or alternatively, moving the seal body 302 along the radial axis 222 may include moving at least a portion of the seal body 302 (e.g., the flange 318) through a seal body channel 320 disposed about the seal housing 300, such as the radially proximal wall 312 of the seal housing 300. In some embodiments, the exemplary method 800 may include, at block 806, moving the seal body 302 along the radial axis 222 in response to a change in pressure of the fluid in the inlet plenum 206 and / or the outlet plenum 208 (e.g., in response to a change in the pressure differential between the fluid in the inlet plenum 206 and the fluid in the outlet plenum 208). Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary method 800 may include, at block 808, moving the seal body 302 along the radial axis 222 in response to a change in the rotational speed of the rotor 204. Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary method 800 may include, at block 810, moving the seal body 302 along the radial axis 222 in response to a transient operating condition and / or abnormal movement of the rotor 204.

[0112] In some embodiments, exemplary method 800 may include, at block 812, causing fluid to flow along a secondary leakage path 360 to the fluid bearing gap 322 when the rotary machine 200 is operated at a first operating condition, and, at block 814, causing fluid to flow along a primary leakage path 324 to the fluid bearing gap 322 when the rotary machine 200 is operated at a second operating condition. The secondary leakage path 360 may be at least partially defined by a front seal interface 354 located between a laterally distal seal wall 350 of the seal body 302 and the rotor 204. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary leakage path 360 may be at least partially defined by an expansion chamber 348 located between the laterally distal seal wall 350 and the rotor shoe 314 of the seal body 302. The primary leakage path 324 may include one or more fluid supply orifices 326 and one or more fluid conduits 328. In some embodiments, the primary leakage path 324 may include a seal chamber 304.

[0113] Further aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter are provided by the following clauses:

[0114] A seal assembly for a rotating machine, such as a turbine engine, comprising: one or more seal segments, each comprising: a seal housing defining a seal chamber and one or more fluid supply ports extending through the seal housing; and a seal body comprising a sealing face and one or more fluid conduits extending through the seal body to the seal face; wherein the seal chamber receives at least a portion of the seal body, and wherein the seal body is movable within the seal chamber along a radial axis of a rotor of the rotating machine when the seal assembly is installed in the rotating machine; and wherein the one or more fluid supply ports are in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits, and wherein the one or more fluid conduits are configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid bearing gap defined between the seal face and a rotor face of the rotor when the seal assembly is installed in the rotating machine.

[0115] A seal assembly as described in any clause herein, wherein the one or more fluid conduits are in fluid communication with the seal chamber, and wherein the one or more fluid supply orifices are in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits through the seal chamber.

[0116] The seal assembly of any clause herein, wherein the seal body comprises a rotor shoe and a piston head, wherein the seal chamber is configured to receive at least a portion of the piston head, and wherein the piston head is movable within the seal chamber.

[0117] A seal assembly according to any item herein, wherein the seal body includes a flange extending between the rotor shoe and the piston head, and wherein the seal body includes a seal body channel configured to receive the flange, and wherein the flange is movable within the seal body channel relative to the radial axis of the rotor.

[0118] The seal assembly of any clause herein, wherein the rotor shoe comprises the sealing face, and wherein the sealing face comprises one or more apertures defining radially proximal openings of the one or more fluid conduits.

[0119] The seal assembly of any clause herein, wherein the seal housing defines an auxiliary seal chamber, and wherein the auxiliary seal chamber is configured to receive at least a portion of the rotor shoe.

[0120] The seal assembly of any clause herein, wherein the seal body includes one or more exhaust conduits extending through the rotor shoe, the one or more exhaust conduits being configured to provide fluid communication between the auxiliary seal chamber and the fluid bearing gap.

[0121] A seal assembly as described in any clause herein, wherein the seal body includes one or more cross-conduits extending through the flange of the seal body, wherein the one or more cross-conduits are in fluid communication with the auxiliary seal chamber.

[0122] The seal assembly of any clause herein, wherein the seal body defines an expansion chamber at least partially defined by the rotor shoe.

[0123] A seal assembly as described in any clause herein, wherein the seal body includes a transverse distal seal wall, and wherein the expansion chamber is at least partially defined by the transverse distal seal wall.

[0124] The seal assembly of any clause herein, wherein the transverse distal seal wall includes one or more teeth configured to provide a forward sealing interface with the rotor.

[0125] A seal assembly according to any clause herein, wherein the one or more fluid conduits, the one or more fluid supply orifices, and the fluid bearing gap define at least a portion of a primary leakage path, and wherein the front seal interface and the fluid bearing gap define at least a portion of a secondary leakage path; wherein the secondary leakage path is configured to provide fluid flow through the fluid bearing gap when the rotating machine is operated at a first operating condition, and wherein the primary leakage path is configured to provide fluid flow through the fluid bearing gap when the rotating machine is operated at a second operating condition different from the first operating condition.

[0126] A seal assembly according to any item described herein, wherein the seal housing defines an auxiliary seal chamber, and wherein the seal body includes one or more exhaust conduits extending through the rotor shoe, the one or more exhaust conduits being fluidly connected between the expansion chamber and the auxiliary seal chamber, and wherein the one or more exhaust conduits and the expansion chamber each define another portion of the primary leakage path, the another portion of the primary leakage path being located downstream of the fluid bearing gap.

[0127] A seal assembly according to any item herein, wherein the seal body includes a flange extending between the rotor shoe and the piston head, and one or more cross-conduits extending through the flange, wherein the one or more cross-conduits are in fluid communication with the auxiliary seal chamber, and wherein the one or more cross-conduits define an additional portion of the primary leakage path, the additional portion of the primary leakage path being located downstream of the auxiliary seal chamber.

[0128] A seal assembly according to any item described herein, wherein the seal housing includes one or more seal body positioning vents, and the one or more seal body positioning vents are configured to supply fluid to and / or supply fluid from the seal chamber, thereby causing the seal body to move relative to the seal housing along the radial axis due to the fluid in the seal chamber exerting a force on the seal body.

[0129] The seal assembly of any clause herein, wherein the seal housing is of unitary construction, and / or wherein the seal body is of unitary construction.

[0130] A sealing assembly according to any item described herein, wherein the one or more sealing segments include a plurality of sealing segments, wherein the plurality of sealing segments each have a semi-annular structure; and wherein a corresponding sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments includes one or more engaging elements, and the one or more engaging elements are configured to mate with a circumferentially adjacent one of the plurality of sealing segments.

[0131] The seal assembly of any clause herein, wherein the one or more seal segments include a seal segment having an annular configuration, wherein the seal housing has an annular configuration, and wherein the one seal segment includes a plurality of seal bodies having a semi-annular configuration.

[0132] The seal assembly of any clause herein, comprising a plurality of locating arms configured to position the seal body relative to the radial axis of the rotor.

[0133] A rotary machine (such as a turbine engine) comprising: a rotor; a stator; and a seal assembly disposed between the rotor and the stator, the seal assembly comprising one or more seal segments, the one or more seal segments each comprising: a seal housing defining a seal chamber and one or more fluid supply orifices extending through the seal housing; and a seal body comprising a sealing face and one or more fluid conduits extending through the seal body to the sealing face; wherein the seal chamber receives at least a portion of the seal body, and wherein the seal body is movable within the seal chamber along a radial axis of the rotor of the rotary machine; and wherein the one or more fluid supply orifices are in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits, and wherein the one or more fluid conduits are configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid bearing gap defined between the seal face and a rotor face of the rotor.

[0134] A rotating machine according to any clause herein, wherein the seal assembly is constructed according to any clause herein.

[0135] A method of sealing an interface between a rotor and a stator of a rotating machine, such as a turbine engine, the method comprising: flowing a fluid through a fluid bearing gap disposed between a sealing face of a seal assembly of the rotating machine and a rotor face of the rotor, the seal assembly comprising a seal housing and a seal body, the seal housing including one or more fluid supply orifices extending therethrough, and the seal body including one or more fluid conduits extending therethrough, the one or more fluid supply orifices being in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits, and the one or more fluid conduits being in fluid communication with the fluid bearing gap; and moving the seal body relative to the seal housing along a radial axis of the rotor of the rotating machine while flowing the fluid through the fluid bearing gap, wherein the seal housing defines a seal chamber, and wherein at least a portion of the seal body is disposed within the seal chamber.

[0136] A method as defined in any clause herein, wherein the method is configured to be performed using a sealing assembly as defined in any clause herein.

[0137] A method of manufacturing a seal assembly includes manufacturing one or more seal segments, wherein manufacturing the one or more seal segments includes manufacturing a seal housing and manufacturing a seal body.

[0138] A method as defined in any clause herein, wherein manufacturing one or more seal segments comprises installing the seal body in the seal housing.

[0139] The method of any clause herein, wherein manufacturing one or more seal segments comprises additively manufacturing the seal housing and the seal body, wherein the seal body is manufactured in place within the seal housing.

[0140] The method of any clause herein, wherein fabricating one or more seal segments comprises additively fabricating one or more support structures that support the seal body in position relative to the seal housing, and removing the one or more support structures.

[0141] A method as defined in any clause herein, comprising coupling a plurality of seal segments to one another.

[0142] This written description uses exemplary embodiments to describe the subject matter of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice such subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the presently disclosed subject matter is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A sealing assembly for a turbine engine, characterized in that: The sealing assembly comprises: One or more sealing segments, each of the one or more sealing segments comprising: a sealed housing defining a sealed chamber and one or more fluid supply ports therethrough; and a sealing body comprising a sealing surface and one or more fluid conduits extending through the sealing body to the sealing surface; wherein the seal chamber receives at least a portion of the seal body, and wherein the seal body is movable within the seal chamber along a radial axis of a rotor of the turbine engine when the seal assembly is installed in the turbine engine; and wherein the one or more fluid supply orifices are in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits, and wherein the one or more fluid conduits are configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid bearing gap defined between the seal face and a rotor face of the rotor when the seal assembly is installed in the turbine engine.

2. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: in, The one or more fluid conduits are in fluid communication with the sealed chamber, and wherein the one or more fluid supply orifices are in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits through the sealed chamber.

3. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: in, The sealing body includes a rotor shoe and a piston head, wherein the sealing chamber is configured to receive at least a portion of the piston head, and wherein the piston head is movable within the sealing chamber.

4. The sealing assembly according to claim 3, wherein: in, The seal body includes a flange extending between the rotor shoe and the piston head, and wherein the seal body includes a seal body channel configured to receive the flange, and wherein the flange is movable within the seal body channel relative to the radial axis of the rotor.

5. The sealing assembly according to claim 4, wherein: in, The rotor shoe includes the sealing surface, and wherein the sealing surface includes one or more apertures defining radially proximal openings of the one or more fluid conduits.

6. The sealing assembly according to claim 5, wherein: in, The seal housing defines an auxiliary seal chamber, and wherein the auxiliary seal chamber is configured to receive at least a portion of the rotor shoe.

7. The sealing assembly according to claim 6, wherein: in, The seal body includes one or more exhaust conduits extending through the rotor shoe, the one or more exhaust conduits being configured to provide fluid communication between the auxiliary seal chamber and the fluid bearing gap.

8. The sealing assembly according to claim 7, wherein: in, The seal body includes one or more cross-conduits extending through the flange of the seal body, wherein the one or more cross-conduits are in fluid communication with the auxiliary seal chamber.

9. The sealing assembly according to claim 3, wherein: in, The seal body defines an expansion chamber at least partially defined by the rotor shoe.

10. The sealing assembly according to claim 9, wherein: in, The sealing body includes a transverse distal sealing wall, and wherein the expansion chamber is at least partially defined by the transverse distal sealing wall.

11. The sealing assembly according to claim 10, wherein: in, The transverse distal seal wall includes one or more teeth configured to provide a forward sealing interface with the rotor.

12. The sealing assembly according to claim 11, wherein: in, the one or more fluid conduits, the one or more fluid supply orifices, and the fluid bearing gap define at least a portion of a primary leak path, and wherein the front seal interface and the fluid bearing gap define at least a portion of a secondary leak path; wherein the secondary leakage path is configured to provide fluid flow through the fluid bearing gap when the turbine engine is operated at a first operating condition, and wherein the primary leakage path is configured to provide fluid flow through the fluid bearing gap when the turbine engine is operated at a second operating condition different from the first operating condition.

13. The sealing assembly according to claim 12, wherein: in, The sealed housing defines an auxiliary seal chamber, and wherein the seal body includes one or more exhaust ducts extending through the rotor shoe, the one or more exhaust ducts being fluidically connected between the expansion chamber and the auxiliary seal chamber, and wherein the one or more exhaust ducts and the expansion chamber respectively define another portion of the primary leakage path, the another portion of the primary leakage path being located downstream of the fluid bearing gap.

14. The sealing assembly according to claim 13, wherein: in, The seal body includes a flange extending between the rotor shoe and the piston head, and one or more cross-conduits extending through the flange, wherein the one or more cross-conduits are in fluid communication with the auxiliary seal chamber, and wherein the one or more cross-conduits define an additional portion of the primary leakage path, the additional portion of the primary leakage path being located downstream of the auxiliary seal chamber.

15. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: in, The sealed housing includes one or more seal body positioning vents configured to supply fluid to and / or from the sealed chamber, thereby causing the seal body to move relative to the sealed housing along the radial axis due to the fluid in the sealed chamber exerting a force on the seal body.

16. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: in, The sealed housing has a unitary structure, and / or the sealing body has a unitary structure.

17. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: in, The one or more sealing segments include a plurality of sealing segments, wherein the plurality of sealing segments each have a semi-annular configuration; and A corresponding sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments includes one or more engagement elements configured to mate with a circumferentially adjacent one of the plurality of sealing segments.

18. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein: in, The one or more seal segments include one seal segment having an annular configuration, wherein the seal housing has an annular configuration, and wherein the one seal segment includes a plurality of seal bodies having a semi-annular configuration.

19. A turbine engine, characterized in that: include: rotor; stator; as well as A sealing assembly is provided between the rotor and the stator, wherein the sealing assembly comprises one or more sealing segments, each of which comprises: a sealed housing defining a sealed chamber and one or more fluid supply ports therethrough; and a sealing body comprising a sealing surface and one or more fluid conduits extending through the sealing body to the sealing surface; wherein the seal chamber receives at least a portion of the seal body, and wherein the seal body is movable within the seal chamber along a radial axis of the rotor of the turbine engine; and Wherein the one or more fluid supply apertures are in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits, and wherein the one or more fluid conduits are configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid bearing gap defined between the sealing face and a rotor face of the rotor.

20. A method of sealing the interface between a rotor and a stator of a turbine engine, characterized in that The method comprises: flowing a fluid through a fluid bearing gap provided between a sealing face of a seal assembly of the turbine engine and a rotor face of the rotor, the seal assembly comprising a seal housing and a seal body, the seal housing comprising one or more fluid supply apertures therethrough, and the seal body comprising one or more fluid conduits therethrough, the one or more fluid supply apertures being in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits, and the one or more fluid conduits being in fluid communication with the fluid bearing gap; and The seal body is moved relative to the seal housing along a radial axis of the rotor of the turbine engine while flowing the fluid through the fluid bearing gap, wherein the seal housing defines a seal chamber, and wherein at least a portion of the seal body is disposed within the seal chamber.

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