Nested Labyrinth Seal Dampers for Turbine Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Labyrinth seals in gas turbine engines face vibrational loading that reduces their operational longevity and compromises sealing effectiveness, while existing solutions fail to mitigate these issues without impacting spatial availability and fluid transport.
Innovation Solution
A nested dampener system comprising a first and second dampening element, where the second element is disposed outside the first in a radial direction, is integrated into the labyrinth seal to absorb and dissipate vibrational frequencies, minimizing damage and maintaining seal effectiveness without obstructing fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a labyrinth seal is used to fluidly isolate cavities in a gas turbine engine, then sealing effectiveness is achieved, but vibrational loading damages the seal and reduces operational longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested dampener system where multiple dampening elements are arranged concentrically with each other. The first dampening element is positioned at an inner radius, the second at a middle radius, and the third at an outer radius, all within the same axial space. This nested configuration allows multiple dampening functions to be achieved without increasing the axial length of the seal, thereby protecting the seal from vibrational loading while maintaining compact dimensions and preserving operational longevity
2Duration of action of stationary object
If dampening elements are added to reduce vibrational loading, then operational longevity is extended, but spatial availability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening elements are arranged in a nested configuration where each element is positioned at a different radial distance from the central axis but within the same axial space. This allows three separate dampening elements to be accommodated without increasing the axial length of the seal, thereby extending operational longevity while maintaining compact spatial dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional (axial) arrangement of dampening elements to a multi-dimensional arrangement by positioning elements at different radial distances while maintaining the same axial bounds. This dimensional change allows multiple dampening functions to be achieved within the same axial space, preserving spatial availability while enhancing vibrational protection
3Duration of action of stationary object
If dampening elements are added to mitigate vibrational loading, then operational longevity is extended, but sealing effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Each dampening element is positioned at a specific radial location tailored to address vibrational characteristics at that particular radius. The first element at the inner radius, second at the middle radius, and third at the outer radius provide localized vibrational mitigation. This localized approach protects the seal from vibrational loading while maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the sealing function
4Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple dampening elements are used to reduce vibrational loading across different frequencies, then operational longevity is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of multiple dampening elements at different radial positions but within the same axial space allows the system to address multiple vibrational frequencies and modes using a compact, integrated structure. This configuration achieves comprehensive vibrational protection across different frequencies while maintaining a relatively simple and compact overall design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The nested dampener system effectively reduces vibrational loading, extending the operational lifespan of the seal while maintaining minimal impact on spatial requirements and fluid transport efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a nested dampener system disposed along the annular seal body, the nested dampener system comprising: a first dampening element; and a second dampening element... effectively reduces vibrational loading
Implementation Method 2
the second dampening element is disposed outside of at least a portion of the first dampening element in a radial direction... absorb and dissipate vibrational frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
A labyrinth seal including: an annular seal body having an inner wall and an outer wall spaced apart from one another by an annulus; a nested dampener system disposed along the outer wall, the nested dampener system including: a first dampening element; and a second dampening element, wherein opposite axial ends of the nested dampener system are defined by the first dampening element, and wherein the second dampening element is disposed outside of at least a portion of the first dampening element in a radial direction.