Advanced Large Diameter Air Seals

The challenges facing seals for large diameter rotor systems is the requirement to accommodate centrifugal and axial growth of 0.150 inches or more due to loads on the rotating engine components; accommodate surface speeds in excess of 1200 ft/sec; and be capable of operating reliably at temperatures in excess of 800° F. MiTi® proposes the development of its close clearance, non-contacting, compliant, axial face seal that overcomes the limitations of existing seals. This seal technology can sustain large excursions, high surface velocities and temperatures while minimizing leakage and without loss of performance. The overall objective of this program is to develop an advanced propulsion engine compliant foil seal that has improved life and performance relative to seals currently in operation. The seal will also have to ability to accommodate large misalignment/distortion. Phase I objectives are to conduct parametric analyses to assess the influence of the design parameters on seal performance, Identify a seal configurations based on results of the parametric analysis that will be tested statically under Phase I. Using the test data the preliminary seal design for Phase II dynamic verification testing will be established.