Lorenzo Winchler

Abstract : Simple analytical models can be employed to estimate the leakage mass flow rate from labyrinth seals, resulting in a quick procedure, well suited for the early design process. Different formulas were proposed by many authors during the past decades and most of them employ a carry-over factor and a flow coefficient to predict the mass flow rate across the clearance area. The present work aims to compare the analytical prediction with the results of an experimental campaign.

Gas turbine design has been characterized over the years by a continuous increase of the maximum cycle temperature, justified by a corresponding increase of cycle efficiency and power output. In such way, turbine components heat load management has become a compulsory activity, and then, a reliable procedure to evaluate the blades and vanes metal temperatures is, nowadays, a crucial aspect for a safe components design.