Predicting aerodynamic resistance of brush seals using computational fluid dynamics and a 2-D tube banks model

Abstract Aerodynamic resistance of a brush seal was mainly studied. The velocity distribution along three specified lines was presented. By considering the pressure differential, Reynolds number and Euler number ( E u ) were modified. The effect of geometric arrangements and pressure differentials on Eu and leakage were analyzed. Two correlations were fitted based on the numerical results. The results reveal the velocity distribution is almost flat, asymmetric along the specified lines. The velocity increases and decreases almost linearly at centerlines. E u decreases gradually less with the increase of pressure differential and trends towards a fixed value. A larger E u indicates stronger resistance but not necessarily less leakage. Finally, two fitted correlations are developed and one is exponential to the row number fits better.