Abstract: | The ferrohydrodynamic problem, with a disconnected free surface, of the stability of an annular magneto-fluid seal under the action of centrifugal forces and a pressure drop is solved numerically. The effect of the shaft speed on the critical pressure drop is investigated in relation to the volume of the magneto-fluid plug, the magnetic field strength, the magnetic properties of the fluid, the gap width, and the shaft radius. The flow pattern and the thermal power released in the sealing layer are studied. |