Labyrinth seal optimisation

In the vacuum of space, liquid lubricants in bearings and other mechanisms evaporate, releasing molecules that can migrate and contaminate sensitive surfaces. Labyrinth seals create a narrow, maze-like path that impedes this molecular flow. An ESA Discovery project (Effect of local geometrical changes and polarization of labyrinth seal surfaces on the evaporation rate of liquid lubricants in space applications) led by Brno University of Technology investigated how seal geometry, surface roughness, and electrostatic fields can be optimised to improve sealing performance.