A note on the lubricating film in hydrostatic mechanical face seals

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2008

Abstract

A hydrostatic model for analysing the lubrication film in mechanical seals with provision for surface roughness is presented. The model takes into account the wedge angle between the seal faces developed due to thermal gradient. It is useful for predicting the mean pressure distribution, fluid-film thickness, power loss, and leakage rate. An analytical solution for the fluid pressure distribution is obtained by solving the axis-symmetric Reynolds equation, without assuming constant fluid-film thickness. It is demonstrated that surface roughness considerably increases the mean fluid-film thickness. On the basis of predicted film thickness, the leakage rate and dissipated power can be easily predicted. The method and results can be useful as an adjunct analysis for more complicated thermoelastohydrodynamic analysis of mechanical seals. © IMechE 2008.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part J: Journal of Engineering Tribology

First Page

559

Last Page

567

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS