Effects of geometrical parameters on bristle mechanical characteristics and deflection behavior of brush seals in gas turbine engines.

This article investigates the aerodynamic forces acting on brush seals—contact-based sealing structures used in gas turbine engines—and how their geometric parameters influence seal stability under swirling inlet flow conditions. Using a fluid–structure interaction approach combined with the Design of Experiments (DOE) method, the study identifies that increased inlet swirl reduces axial aerodynamic force while increasing normal aerodynamic force on the first row of bristles, promoting circumferential slip and instability. Key factors affecting axial force include bristle diameter (33% contribution), inclined angle, and radial clearance, whereas spacing between bristles, diameter, and inclined angle primarily influence normal aerodynamic force, with significant interactions among these parameters. The research proposes optimized geometric configurations that enhance brush seal stability by maximizing axial force and minimizing normal force, thereby reducing bristle deformation and slip under high swirl conditions.