Flow Induced Spring Coefficients of Labyrinth Seals for Application in Rotor Dynamics

Self-excited rotor vibrations which are a function of output are being increasingly observed in high-performance turbo-machinery, in particular high-pressure compressors. The labyrinth lateral force components of the rotor loadings, which are related to the unequal pressure patterns over the circumference of the contactless sealings by an eccentric shaft location, are one possible reason for the self excitation.