Effect of Surface Topography on Average Film Thickness between the End Faces for Mechanical Seal

Abstract

In order to research and master the effect of surface topography on average film thickness between the end faces for mechanical seals, average film thickness fractal model between the end faces for mechanical seal was established using fractal parameters charactering surface topography characteristics, based on contact fractal model of the end face for mechanical seal, and solving micro-void volume. Effect of surface topography fractal parameters on average film thickness between the end faces for B104a-70 mechanical seal was analyzed by theoretical calculation. The results showed that fractal dimension D and characteristic length scale G of the end face had a great influence on the average film thickness h0, and h0 decreased with the increased of D or decreased of G; h0 decreased rapidly with the increased of D or with the decreased of G when the end face was coarser, however, it decreased slowly with the increased of D or with the decreased of G when the end face was smoother. In normal working parameters and surface topography fractal parameters range, average film thickness between end faces was in the range of 0.27~1.7μm. Studying on the effect of the change of surface topography on average film thickness has an important significance on the predicting of operating characteristics of end faces during actual operating and the design of end faces for contact mechanical seal.