Structural Optimization Design of the Arc Finger Seal

Abstract

According to the working condition of the finger seal, a geometric model applied to optimization of finger seal with arc curve (arc finger seal) is established based on mathematical relationship analysis of the finger seal structural parameters. Two performances, the hysteresis and contact pressure between finger pad and rotors surface, are put forward as the objectives for the structure optimization of the finger seal. The optimization model of C/C composites arc finger seal is presented and the multi-objective optimization process is carried out based on ANSYS software. An optimization design example is given which shows that comprehensive performance of finger seal can be obviously improved through the structure optimization. The performance comparison between a C/C composites and a metal material arc finger seal with the same structural and working conditions proves that the choice of C/C composites as the finger seal material, to a certain extent, may improve the sealing performance effectively. It provides a new choice for the design of the finger seal.