Design and empirical evaluation of a magneto-rheological fluid-based seal with rectangular and trapezoidal pole head

Abstract

The focus of this study is on the design and experimental validation of MRF self-sealing (also known as MRF seal) utilizing permanent magnets. The MRF seal has been built to readily replace traditional seal (lip-seal) for rotation shaft sealing. Following a review of studies on MRF seals, two configurations of MRF seal featuring an axial permanent magnet and two distinct pole head forms, rectangular and trapezoidal, are presented. The two MRF seals are then subjected to a magnetic analysis using the finite element method (ANSYS APDL). The Bingham plastic model of MRF and the assumption of linear velocity profile of MRF in the sealing gap are employed to construct mathematical models of crucial seal characteristics such as maximum static working pressure and frictional torque. The seals are optimized employing the optimization toolbox integrated in the ANSYS APDL to obtain the optimal geometric dimensions of the MRF seals. Finally, prototypes of the two MRF seals are fabricated and testing work is conducted to validate and compare them with the simulated results.