Which description best matches labyrinth seals?

Which description best matches labyrinth seals?

• A. Act like a maze to trap oil
• B. Use reverse threading to seal leaks
• C. Absorb radial loads
• D. Allow accessory gears to rotate freely

Answer: (A)

Labyrinth seals work by creating a maze-like path that oil or lubricant must traverse to escape. The interlocking grooves and intricate turns form a long, tortuous route between the inside (lubricant) and outside. This geometry greatly resists leakage because the flow path is long and has multiple barriers, so even with a pressure difference, only a small amount of oil leaks past. The seal does not rely on tight threading or contact wear, so it can handle rotation with minimal wear, which is ideal for keeping lubrication contained while contaminants stay out. The other options don’t fit because labyrinth seals aren’t about reverse threading, nor do they primarily absorb radial loads (that’s a bearing function), and they aren’t designed to specifically let accessory gears rotate freely—their purpose is to seal and retain oil while allowing rotation with low wear.

Labyrinth seals work by creating a maze-like path that oil or lubricant must traverse to escape. The interlocking grooves and intricate turns form a long, tortuous route between the inside (lubricant) and outside. This geometry greatly resists leakage because the flow path is long and has multiple barriers, so even with a pressure difference, only a small amount of oil leaks past. The seal does not rely on tight threading or contact wear, so it can handle rotation with minimal wear, which is ideal for keeping lubrication contained while contaminants stay out.

The other options don’t fit because labyrinth seals aren’t about reverse threading, nor do they primarily absorb radial loads (that’s a bearing function), and they aren’t designed to specifically let accessory gears rotate freely—their purpose is to seal and retain oil while allowing rotation with low wear.