Optimization of labyrinth seal leakage with independently varied tooth parameters using efficient global optimization

Decheng Xu; Xiang Zhang; Zhongzhi Zhang; Hengming Zhang; Guozhe Ren

doi:10.1515/tjj-2025-0004

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Optimization of labyrinth seal leakage with independently varied tooth parameters using efficient global optimization

Decheng Xu , Xiang Zhang , Zhongzhi Zhang , Hengming Zhang and Guozhe Ren

Published/Copyright: March 28, 2025

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From the journal International Journal of Turbo & Jet-Engines Volume 42 Issue 3

Abstract

In this study, the Kriging model is employed alongside the Efficient Global Optimization (EGO) method to optimize the sealing performance of a labyrinth seal structure. Two optimization strategies are explored: one involving the consistent variation of design parameters and the other, independent variation. A comparative evaluation of the two approaches demonstrates their effectiveness, followed by an in-depth analysis of the leakage characteristics under varying operating conditions, both before and after optimization. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted for the independent optimization scheme to examine the influence of design variables on the objective function. The results indicate that both optimization schemes significantly improve the sealing performance, with the equivalent flow rate reduced by 14.5 % and 18.47 %, respectively, compared to the baseline design. The optimized models maintain a sealing advantage under variable operating conditions. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis reveals key design parameters influencing leakage performance, providing valuable insights for the structural optimization of labyrinth seals.

Keywords: EGO; leakage characteristics; labyrinth seal; optimization; sobol sensitivity analysis

Corresponding author: Xiang Zhang, School of Aero Engine, Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics, Zhengzhou 450046, China, E-mail: xiang_zhang@zua.edu.cn

Funding source: Science and Technology Research Project of Henan Province

Award Identifier / Grant number: 242102220042

Nomenclature (SI UNITS)

a: leakage area (mm)
B: tooth pitch (mm)
c: tooth clearance (mm)
H: tooth high (mm)
m ˙: mass flow rate (kg/s)
N: number of samples
T: tooth tip width (mm)
T: tooth bottom width (mm)
T in *: total temperature (T)
P in *: total pressure at the inlet (Pa)
P o u t: static pressure at the exit (Pa)
R d: the real number space
R e: Reynolds number
α: tooth front angle (°)
β: tooth back angle (°)
φ: discharge coefficient ( s ⋅ K 0.5 / m )
π: Pressure ratio

Subscripts

i: The i-th tooth
in: Fluid inlet
out: Fluid outlet

Research ethics: Not applicable.
Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from all individuals included in this study or their legal guardians or wards.
Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
Research funding: This research was funded by the Henan Provincial Science and Technology Research Program (Grant No. 242102220042).
Data availability: The data used for comparison in this study were obtained from previously published research articles, which are cited in the manuscript. No new data were generated.

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Received: 2025-01-11

Accepted: 2025-03-12

Published Online: 2025-03-28

Published in Print: 2025-08-26

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/tjj-2025-0004

Keywords for this article

EGO; leakage characteristics; labyrinth seal; optimization; sobol sensitivity analysis