Dynamic response of spiral groove liquid film seal to impact conditions

Abstract The dynamic response of the spiral groove liquid film seal to three types of impact are studied by developing a three-DOF dynamic model which takes average flow model, cavitation effect, squeeze effect and face contact into account. A Gaussian pulse function is first applied to simulate the impact to the seal. Results indicate that the seal can maintain hydrodynamic lubrication regime to avoid significant face contact regardless of the impact type. The pressure variation impact does not necessarily induce leakage due to the dramatically narrowed sealing gap. The shaft drifting and bending impact conditions can bring about leakage risk, but the symptomatic flow rate induced by the former is much heavier than that by the latter at the representive moment.