Influence of Groove Structure Parameters Based on Optimal Mass Transfer Coefficient on Vaporization Characteristics and Sealing Performance of Liquid Film Mechanical Seals

In this study, a spiral groove liquid film vaporization model based on the viscosity–temperature equation, fluid internal friction, saturation temperature, and pressure relationship equation was established. Using a multiphase flow model based on the finite volume method, the influence of the change in the mass transfer coefficient on the vaporization of the liquid film was studied. Moreover, the influence law of structural parameter changes in liquid film vaporization characteristics and sealing performance was analyzed. The results indicate that, with an increase in the mass transfer coefficient, the average vapor phase volume fraction first increases and then gradually stabilizes. When calculating the average vapor phase volume fraction, it is necessary to consider the influence of the mass transfer coefficient, whereas its effect on the opening force and leakage can usually be neglected. Under the optimal mass transfer coefficient conditions, the average vapor phase volume fraction increases with an increase in the helix angle, groove-weir ratio, and groove depth. By comparison, with an increase in the groove-diameter ratio, the average vapor phase volume fraction first increases and then decreases. The opening force decreases with an increase in the helix angle, groove-to-weir ratio, and groove depth. On the other hand, it first decreases and then increases with an increase in the groove-diameter ratio. The leakage rate increases first and then stabilizes with an increase in the helix angle. Moreover, it increases continuously with an increase in the groove-diameter ratio, groove-weir ratio, and groove depth