Dynamic Performance Analysis of Finger Seals in Turbine Systems
Summary
Dynamic performance analysis of finger seals in turbine systems investigates the behaviour of compliant sealing elements that separate high‐ and low‐pressure regions in rotating machinery. Finger seals consist of a series of slender metal or composite ‘fingers’ arranged around the shaft, which flex under pressure to form a dynamic gas film that minimises leakage while accommodating shaft movement. The analysis encompasses fluid dynamics, structural deformation, wear and thermal effects, employing computational fluid–structure interaction, finite element modelling and experimental testing. Key considerations include the gas film stiffness, leakage rate, contact force distribution, frictional heating and material degradation under high speed and pressure differentials. Recent advances focus on novel composite materials, multi‐stage configurations and improved modelling of wear and heat generation to extend service life and reduce maintenance. The global significance of this research lies in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of aero‐engines and power‐generation turbines, cutting fuel consumption and emissions. Integrating experimental data with high‐fidelity simulations drives optimisation of seal geometry, material selection and stage sequencing, unlocking superior sealing performance in demanding operational environments.
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Dynamic Performance Analysis of Finger Seals in Turbine Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in dynamic performance analysis of finger seals in turbine systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Finger seal: A sealing device comprising multiple slender, flexible elements that conform to a rotor to maintain a gas barrier.
Fluid–structure interaction (FSI): A simulation approach that couples fluid flow and structural deformation to predict dynamic response.
Tribological properties: Characteristics of friction, wear and lubrication behaviour between contacting surfaces.
Leakage rate: The volumetric flow of fluid that bypasses the seal under pressure differential per unit time.
Inter-stage pressure drop: The pressure difference between successive stages in a multi-stage seal configuration that affects sealing balance.
References
- Tribological Properties and Wear Mechanism of C/C Composite Applied in Finger Seal. Machines (2023).
- Study of wear and friction heat generation models of finger seals based on energy theory of tribology system. AIP Advances (2022).
- Study on the Leakage and Inter-Stage Pressure Drop Characteristics of Two-Stage Finger Seal. Applied Sciences (2021).
- Dynamic Behavior Analysis of Non-Contacting Hydrodynamic Finger Seal Based on Fluid-Solid-Interaction Method. MATEC Web of Conferences (2018).
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