Active magnetic bearings test rig for experimental investigation of seals

A test rig for the experimental validation of the rotordynamic coefficients of annular and labyrinth seals using Active Magnetic Bearings (AMBs) exciters is presented. The rotordynamic coefficients for annular and labyrinth seals are obtained, with two computer programs using the Reynolds' gas lubrication equation and the bulk flow model with two volume control, respectively. The AMBs exciters allow the rotor to levitate without contact, and to excite it with user-defined sinusoidal forces at the same time. The dynamic experiments can be conducted at various rotor speeds, whirling speeds, and with different pressure drops across the seal.