Research on leakage characteristics of labyrinth seal based on air-oil two-phase flow

Purpose This paper aims to study the influence of different seal structure parameters and working conditions on the air-oil two-phase flow characteristics and leakage characteristics of the seal cavity in the bearing cavity of the aero-engine spindle bearing tester. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the VOF method and RNG k- ε turbulence model are used to explore the flow characteristics and leakage characteristics of the labyrinth seal cavity of an aero-engine spindle bearing tester under the condition of air-oil two-phase flow. Findings The distribution of the lubricating oil is related to the sealing clearance and the air-oil ratio. The amount of oil leakage increases with increasing of sealing chamber clearance, air-oil ratio and inlet velocity and decreases with increasing curvature and speed. The amount of air leakage increases with sealing clearance and inlet velocity. Originality/value In comparison to the pure air-phase flow field, the air-oil two-phase flow field can more accurately simulate the lubricating oil flow in the sealing chamber.