Measurement of Gas/Liquid Flow Velocities in Rapidly Rotating Annular Systems

To help understand the behaviour of oil/gas mixtures and the lubrication processes within bearing chambers of an aero-engine, a rig was developed to represent the bearing chamber at a simplified level. The velocities of gas and liquid flow prevailing around the rapidly rotating annulus were explored when exposed to various parametric conditions. The results revealed that the liquid flowrates, aerodynamic forces and shaft rotation speeds affect the phenomena of gas/liquid flows. Changes in these conditions profoundly affect the behaviour of the lubricating jet, the sizes of the liquid droplets and their velocities as well as the liquid films. These, consequently influence the heat transfer and lubrication mechanisms within annular systems.