Dynamic characteristic modeling and parameter analysis of T- shaped groove end face seals based on force equilibrium

The proposed dynamic model of the T-shaped groove end face seal (T-SGEFS) is established by considering the dynamic equilibrium between opening and closing forces, enabling a coupled analysis of the effects of spring stiffness, preload spring force, and operating and structural parameters. After evaluating the reliability of the solution model, the influences of operating and structural parameters on the dynamic characteristics are systematically investigated. The results indicate that spring stiffness has a significant effect on the dynamic sealing performance of the T-SGEFS. An increase in rotational speed enhances the axial stiffness of the gas film while reducing its axial damping. An increase in preload spring force leads to increases in both axial stiffness and damping, whereas an increase in pressure ratio reduces both axial stiffness and damping. Among these factors, pressure ratio exhibits the most pronounced influence: for identical spring stiffness, the axial stiffness and damping decrease by 86.39% and 85.52%, respectively, as the pressure ratio increases. The number of grooves shows a non-monotonic effect on the dynamic characteristics, first increasing and then decreasing. In addition, increases in groove depth and groove width ratio both reduce axial stiffness and damping. Among all structural parameters, groove number has the most significant impact. Specifically, when the groove number increases from 18 to 24, the axial stiffness increases by 302%, whereas it decreases by 46% when further increased from 24 to 26.