Design of Joints Using Metal Seals in Turbopump

금속 실을 이용한 터보펌프 체결부 설계

Turbopump is typically an assembly of rotors and casings, and there are a number of joints between them. Every joint should be leak-proof, so there is always a seal to accomplish the goal. Among various seals, metal seals are advantageous in that they are robust at high pressure, and at wide range of temperature. On the other hand, they require very high tightening forces, so that flanges, bolts and nuts should be carefully designed to ensure structural integrity and to prevent detrimental yielding of components. In this study, flange joints using conical seals made of stainless steel, solid flat metal seals made of copper and metal C-seals made of Inconel 718 were structurally designed and analyzed, considering both initial tightening and operating conditions.