Study on the hydrodynamic performance of two typical groove liquid film seals considering cavitation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the hydrodynamic performance of liquid film seals with oblique grooves (OGs) and spiral grooves (SGs), considering cavitation, compare and analyze the differences between them. Design/methodology/approach Considering cavitation effect, the incompressible steady-state Reynolds equation was solved to obtain the sealing performance parameters of the liquid film seal with oblique groove and spiral groove. Findings The hydrodynamic performance of oblique groove seal (OGS) and spiral groove seal (SGS) shows a similar trend with the change of operating parameters. When the groove angle is less than 20°, the load-carrying capacity of SGS is better than that of OGS, while when the groove angle continues to increase, the hydrodynamic performance of OGS is slightly better than that of SGS, and more suitable for use under small differential pressure and high speed. Originality/value The hydrodynamic characteristics of liquid film seals with oblique grooves and spiral grooves considering cavitation effect were studied, which provides a theoretical reference for the application of oblique groove seal.