The Turbomachinery Research Consortia (TRC) is a member-supported program that connects industry with Texas A&M faculty to solve real-world turbomachinery challenges. One current TRC project, “An Experimental and Computational Investigation of the Rotordynamic Coefficients of a Labyrinth Seal,” focuses on a longstanding industry issue: leakage and rotordynamic stability in high-speed rotating machines.
Project Purpose
In compressors and turbines, air naturally leaks from high-pressure to low-pressure regions, reducing machine efficiency and performance. Labyrinth seals limit this loss by forcing air through a narrow, tortuous flow path. However, while they reduce leakage, they also generate forces that can influence rotor stability. Understanding these forces, quantified by rotordynamic coefficients, is essential for reliable seal design.
This project aims to develop and validate an in-house Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code capable of predicting those coefficients with high accuracy. Numerical predictions are compared with experimental measurements to identify discrepancies and improve understanding of seal behavior. When experimental data are limited or unavailable, the CFD tool also serves as a guide for future testing and design decisions.
By combining physical testing with advanced simulation, the research team seeks to provide TRC members with more accurate performance predictions, improved seal optimization and greater confidence in machine stability assessments.
Research Participants
Dr. Paul Cizmas, Professor, Aerospace Engineering
Dr. Adolfo Delgado, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Ciprian Comsa, Graduate Research Assistant, Aerospace Engineering
Seung Hyop Hyun, Graduate Research Assistant, Mechanical Engineering
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Both students emphasized how the Laboratory environment accelerated their technical and professional development. Ciprian shared that working across multiple projects required him to build strong time-management and prioritization skills. He also highlighted a moment when a discrepancy in data led to deeper investigation:
“After conducting a series of tests and reviewing the results, [Dr. Delgado] immediately pointed out that the behavior of the rotordynamic coefficients with frequency was unexpected. His insight helped us dig deeper into the issues, and we eventually discovered that there was residual oil left inside the rig from previous testing. This contamination had impaired our data and was affecting the system’s dynamic response.”
He also shared how mentorship strengthened his analytical and communication abilities:
“Dr. Cizmas guided me in setting up and running numerical simulations to compare our experimental results with the predicted behavior. His mentorship was instrumental in helping me validate the findings and gain a more complete understanding of the system. Beyond the technical side, he also challenged me to improve how I present and communicate my results, which pushed me to be more thoughtful and clearer in how I apply myself as a researcher.”
Through this project, both researchers gained hands-on experience working with real-world test rigs and refining computational tools used across the turbomachinery industry.
Projects like these are possible because of the collaborative nature of the Turbomachinery Research Consortium. TRC members receive direct access to Texas A&M faculty specializing in turbomachinery, member-selected research addressing high-impact industry challenges, documented computer programs for reliability and performance analysis, access to world-class laboratory facilities for specialized testing and opportunities to connect with highly skilled graduate researchers.
Companies interested in learning more or joining the Turbomachinery Research Consortium may contact Program Manager, Debbie Maggs, at [email protected]. New members are accepted year-round and invited to participate in the annual meeting each June.
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ABOUT THE TURBOMACHINERY LABORATORY
The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Turbomachinery Laboratory makes a vital impact on turbomachinery and related industries through research, education, and professional workforce development. Visit turbolab.tamu.edu for more information.
Media Contact:
Kristen Smith
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