Enhancing spool valve sealing performance with an annular groove

Abstract Spool valves in aviation engine fuel control devices have a vital effect on fuel supply to ensure the engine runs properly. Therefore, the sealing performance of valve components is particularly important for the overall performance and safety of the system. A more accurate fit between the valve body and the moving parts is needed to enhance the sealing performance of the spool valve. However, leaks still exist even with more precise manufacturing due to various factors. This paper proposes a novel design, an annular groove, which differs from previous methods and is described by the dimensionless design parameters of the spool valve. This paper concludes that dimensionless parameters depth h/d and relative position l/L of the annular groove have little influence on the leakage amount. Still, the width w/d has an obvious influence on that. The lower the w/d is, the smaller the leakage is, and the greater the vice versa. According to the simulation calculation, this is mainly because w is easier to induce the reverse pressure gradient of the flow field, leading to the formation of vortices within the annular groove and a consequent reduction in induced velocity, thereby minimizing leakage.