Seal assembly
A seal assembly is disclosed. A seal assembly may comprise a seal carrier, a compliant structure comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the seal carrier, and/or a support structure coupled to the second end. The seal carrier may be integral with the compliant structure.
1. A seal assembly, comprising:
a seal carrier;
a seal coupled to the seal carrier;
a compliant structure comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the seal carrier, wherein the compliant structure is biased in an axial direction; and
a support structure coupled to the second end;
wherein the compliant structure is monolithic with at least one of the seal carrier or the support structure;
wherein the compliant structure is disposed radially outward of the seal; and
wherein a portion of the seal carrier is disposed radially between the compliant structure and the seal.
2. The seal assembly of claim 1 , wherein the compliant structure is monolithic with the seal carrier and the support structure.
3. The seal assembly of claim 2 , wherein the seal carrier, the compliant structure, and the support structure comprise a steel alloy.
4. The seal assembly of claim 2 , wherein the seal carrier, the compliant structure, and the support structure comprise a titanium alloy.
5. The seal assembly of claim 1 , wherein the compliant structure comprises a flexible member.
6. The seal assembly of claim 5 , wherein the compliant structure is a bellows spring.
7. The seal assembly of claim 1 , wherein a knife edge seal is coupled to a support arm of the support structure.
8. The seal assembly of claim 1 , wherein the seal carrier comprises a first carrier contact surface and a second carrier contact surface that form a seal pocket, wherein the seal is disposed in the seal pocket, wherein seal pocket is radially inward of the compliant structure.
9. The seal assembly of claim 8 , further comprising a seal plate disposed adjacent to a nose of the seal, wherein the compliant structure applies a mechanical load to the seal to press the seal against the seal plate.
10. The seal assembly of claim 8 , wherein the seal comprises carbon.
11. A bearing compartment, comprising:
a bearing assembly comprising a bearing ring and a rotational member coupled to the bearing ring; and
a seal assembly, comprising:
a seal carrier;
a seal coupled to the seal carrier;
a compliant structure comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the seal carrier, wherein the compliant structure is biased in an axial direction; and
a support structure coupled to the second end;
wherein at least one of the seal carrier or the support structure is monolithic with the compliant structure;
wherein the compliant structure is disposed radially outward of the seal; and
wherein a portion of the seal carrier is disposed radially between the compliant structure and the seal.
12. The seal assembly of claim 11 , wherein the seal carrier and the support structure are monolithic with the compliant structure.
13. The seal assembly of claim 12 , wherein the seal carrier, the compliant structure, and the support structure comprise a steel alloy.
14. The seal assembly of claim 12 , wherein the seal carrier, the compliant structure, and the support structure comprise a titanium alloy.
15. The seal assembly of claim 11 , wherein the compliant structure is a bellows spring.
16. A gas turbine engine, comprising:
a bearing compartment comprising:
a bearing assembly comprising a bearing ring and a rotational member coupled to the bearing ring; and
a seal assembly, comprising:
a seal plate coupled to the bearing ring;
a seal disposed adjacent to the seal plate;
a seal carrier coupled to the seal;
a compliant structure coupled to the seal carrier, wherein the compliant structure is biased in an axial direction; and
a support structure coupled to the compliant structure;
wherein at least one of the seal carrier or the support structure is monolithic with the compliant structure
wherein the compliant structure is disposed radially outward of the seal; and
wherein a portion of the seal carrier is disposed radially between the compliant structure and the seal.
17. The gas turbine engine of claim 16 , wherein the seal carrier and the support structure are monolithic with the compliant structure.
18. The gas turbine engine of claim 16 , wherein the compliant structure comprises a flexible member.
19. The gas turbine engine of claim 18 , wherein the compliant structure is a bellows spring.