General Electric Company
Turbomachine clearance control using magnetically responsive particles

Abstract:

Flow restricting arrangements and rotor assemblies are provided. A flow restricting arrangement includes a stationary component and a rotating component. The rotating component is radially spaced apart from the stationary component such that a clearance is defined between the stationary component and the rotating component. A first magnet is embedded within the stationary component. A second magnet embedded within the rotating component. A plurality of magnetically responsive particles is contained within the clearance by a magnetic field produced by the first magnet and the second magnet. The plurality of magnetically responsive particles at least partially span the clearance.