Research on Friction and Structural Optimization Design of Segmented Annular Seal

As a critical sealing component in aero-engines, the segmented annular seal is prone to friction and wear during the running-in stage, which seriously impairs its sealing performance and service life. To address this issue, this study takes the three-petal segmented annular seal made of T482 graphite as the research object, adopting a combined method of high-speed ring-block friction and wear tests and thermal–fluid–solid coupling simulation to investigate its friction and wear mechanisms and optimize its structural design. The results show that the segmented annular seal undergoes more severe friction and wear in the low-speed running-in stage; the wear rate increases with the rise in loading force and decreases with the increase in rotational speed, and the variation trend of surface roughness is consistent with that of the friction coefficient. Frictional heat and wear-induced scratches intensify the deformation and leakage of the seal, thereby leading to the risk of seal failure. Optimizing the depth of radial dynamic pressure grooves can significantly improve the opening performance of the seal, while optimizing the width of axial grooves mainly affects the seal leakage. This research provides a theoretical basis for improving the service life and sealing performance of segmented annular seals in aero-engines.