An energy method for dry friction damping of ring damper in labyrinth seal structure under radial vibration

Abstract Ring dampers are widely installed in labyrinth seal structures of aero-engines to reduce vibration. In order to study the damping effect of ring dampers, an analysis method and design process of dry friction damping under radial component of vibration of labyrinth seal structure are established. Based on the friction energy dissipation, the equivalent damping ratio provided by the ring damper is calculated for the given vibration stress at the critical location, and the damping characteristic curve that is the equivalent damping ratio varying with the vibration stress is obtained. This method can avoid the calculation of nonlinear forced response and is suitable for the design stage. In the case study, the vibration reduction analysis is conducted on one ring damper for a certain labyrinth seal structure, and the influence of rotating speed, friction coefficient, radial thickness and density of ring on the damping characteristics is investigated.