Numerical simulation on flow field of spiral grooved dry gas seals

For more details about gas flow field of spiral grooved dry gas seals, the numerical simulation of face flow filed under different face clearances is carried out, based on the Navier Stokes equation, the laminar model and the SIMPLEC algorithm. The distribution of gas film pressure and the variety of opening force are investigated emphatically. The numerical result shows, there´s clearly change of film pressure at the intersection of groove and land. At the position of gas flow out, hydrodynamic pressure is formed, at the position of gas flow into, negative pressure (relatively) zone is formed. Hydrodynamic pressure weakens rapidly as face clearance increased and changes acutely at small clearance (less than 3μm) zone. The opening force increased rapidly when the clearance is became smaller, especially when the clearance less than 3μm. At the point about 3.5μm,the opening force and closing force get the same value, and the balance clearance is gained.