General Electric Company
Hydrodynamic Intershaft Piston Ring Seal

Abstract:

Sealing assemblies and systems and their assembly methods are provided. For example, a seal assembly is provided for use between an inner shaft and an outer shaft that are rotatable about a common axis. The seal assembly comprises a first end ring having an aft face; a second end ring positioned aft of the first end ring and having a forward face; a first hydrodynamic portion defined on the aft face of the first end ring; a second hydrodynamic portion defined on the forward face of the second end ring. A seal element is disposed between the first end ring and the second end ring such that the seal element is positioned between the first hydrodynamic portion and the second hydrodynamic portion.