Advances in understanding of polymer seals for rotating applications

Abstract

A detailed numerical understanding of elastomer and plastic seals for dynamic applications is limited compared with current knowledge covering seals that use ‘hard’ materials, such as clearance and rotary mechanical face seals. Some of the key testing and research that has provided a thorough understanding of elastomer seals – enabling their empirical development over the last 50 years – is reviewed. The numerical analysis of rotary shaft lip seals is now well established and this is compared with practical experience.