Application of the k-ε Turbulence Model to the Squeeze Film Damper

The one-dimensional squeeze film damper is modeled for high speed flow by using the two-equation (k-ε) turbulent transport model. The assumption is made that the fluid flow at each local region of the squeeze film damper has similar behavior to inertialess flow in a channel at comparable Reynolds number. Using the k-ε model, the inertialess channel flow case is solved. Based on this result, correlations are obtained for the mean velocity, inertia and viscous terms of the integrated momentum equation for the squeeze film damper. It is found that turbulence increases the magnitude of the fluid pressure and the tangential force, while fluid inertia causes a shift on the pressure creating a significant radial force. In applications, turbulence may be a beneficial effect, increasing the principal damping force; while inertia may be detrimental increasing the cross-coupling forces.