Finite Element Method Flow in the Narrow Clearance Between the Rotor Analysis of Leakage and Side Plates of a Sliding Vane Rotary Compressor

The effect of inertia terms ( especially centrifugal terms ) on the leakage flow through the narrow clearance between the rotor and side plates of a sliding vane rotary compressor is investigated, and it is pointed out that the flow model without inertia terms can be sufficiently accurate in our situation. Then, our problem is solved by Finite Element Method under the non-axisymmetric boundary conditions and the inconsistent clearance configuration. In several cases, pressure maps and velocity distributions of the leakage flow field are obtained. Finally, the vertical equilibrium position of the rotor in the cylinder is estimated, considering the thrust loading of our vertical type rotary compressor. It is found out that almost all leakage flow occurs in the upper clearance.