Analysis and testing for rotordynamic coefficients of turbulent annular seals with different, directionally homogeneous surface-roughness treatment for rotor and stator elements

A theory is presented, based on a simple modification of Hirs' turbulent lubrication equations, to account for different but directionally-homogeneous surface roughness treatments for the rotor and stator of annular seals. The theoretical results agree with von Pragenau's predictions that a damper seal which uses a smooth rotor and a rough stator yields more net damping than a conventional seal which has the same roughness for both the rotor and stator. Experimental results for four stators confirm that properly-designed roughened stators yield higher net damping values and substantially less leakage than seals with smooth surfaces. The best seal from both damping and leakage viewpoints uses a round-hole-pattern stator. Initial results for this stator suggest that, within limits, seals can be designed to yield specified ratios of stiffness to damping.