Labyrinth Seals design using multi-material topology optimization based on a level set approach

• Grant number: 18/21350-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Effective date (Start): March 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): February 29, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Design
• Principal Investigator: Emílio Carlos Nelli Silva
• Grantee: Hélio Emmendoerfer Junior
• Supervisor: Kurt Maute
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Research place: University of Colorado Boulder, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 16/09923-2 - Labyrinth seals design using topology optimization based on a level set approach, BP.PD

Abstract

This work aims to use topology optimization to improve the efficiency of labyrinth seals, which are non-contacting seals used extensively in turbomachinery, from the use of multiple materials. Topology optimization is a computational method to find the best distribution of material in a structure in order to maximize or minimize an objective function. A multi-objective topology optimization problem that considers both fluid and structural areas is proposed. Concerning fluids, the objective is to minimize the leakage flow (or maximize the pressure drop) passing through the seal. Taking into account structural aspects, the focus of this research plan is to deal with the multi-material topology optimization problem with constraints on the von Mises stress field. Within this context, materials with different properties are distributed in the labyrinth seal: stiffer materials are employed in regions with high pressure (inlet) to avoid deformations to the optimized flow path and, consequently, change the leakage, and softer materials are used in regions with lower pressure (outlet). From this latter property in the seal, the concepts of compliant mechanism design are introduced to obtain flexible profiles. Thus, smaller gaps between shaft and seal can be considered bringing improvements as lower leakage levels, the increase of the lifetime of the seal and flexibility of the seal in case of rubbing with the shaft. A level set framework is used to control the (multi-material) solid-fluid design domain. The level set method allows for a clear tracking of boundaries along the optimization process and it does not need post-processing techniques. It is expected that distinct material properties in certain regions of the labyrinth seal may result in increased performance. The fabrication of the resulting optimized geometries is feasible by additive manufacturing technologies, including parts combining many materials.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

EMMENDOERFER JR, HELIO; MAUTE, KURT; FANCELLO, EDUARDO ALBERTO; SILVA, EMILIO CARLOS NELLI. A level set-based optimized design of multi-material compliant mechanisms considering stress constraints. COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING, v. 391, p. 38-pg., 2022-01-22. (14/50279-4, 16/09923-2, 18/21350-3)

EMMENDOERFER JR, HELIO; FANCELLO, EDUARDO ALBERTO; NELLI SILVA, EMILIO CARLOS. Stress-constrained level set topology optimization for compliant mechanisms. COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING, v. 362, p. 27-pg., 2020-04-15. (16/09923-2, 14/50279-4, 18/21350-3)

EMMENDOERFER JR, HELIO; FANCELLO, EDUARDO ALBERTO; NELLI SILVA, EMILIO CARLOS. Stress-constrained level set topology optimization for compliant mechanisms. COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING, v. 362, n. SI, APR 15 2020. (16/09923-2, 18/21350-3, 14/50279-4)