A Numerical CFD Analysis on Supply Groove Effects in High Pressure, Open End Squeeze Film Dampers

In this paper, we address the supply groove depth and pressurization effects on the behavior of open end squeeze film dampers using numerical CFD approach. A steady state moving reference frame technique, rath er than a full time transient one, is implemented in this study, which allows shortening the computation time significantl y and to be able to examine more cases readily. Our findings how that significant fluid motion takes place in the supply groove causing its pressure to be varying mainly in circumferential direction and be lower than the supply pressure, in general. The supply holes configuration plays an important role in pressure profile both in groove and land region, es pecially when the supply groove is shallow. Mid land grooves may have significant dynamic contribution to squeeze fi lm dampers despite their large depth. There exists an o ptimal supply groove depth which renders the squeeze film damper most effective. In higher rotational speeds and sha llow supply grooves, negative pressure values and cavitation ph enomenon appear which defeats the purpose of pressurization to a certain extent.