Effects of the radial force on the static contact properties and sealing performance of a radial lip seal

Abstract

The radial force is a critical factor to determine the sealing performance of radial lip seals. The effects of radial force produced by garter spring and interference on the static contact properties and sealing performance of a radial lip seal are investigated by numerical simulations and experiments. Finite-element analysis and mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication simulation are used. Radial force, contact width, temperature in the sealing zone, the reverse pumping rate and friction torque are measured. A critical value of interference for a cost-effectively designed radial lip seal is found. Spring force is required to compensate the decrease of the radial force because of the interference and used as a possible way to obtain intelligent control of sealing performance. The quantitative results gotten in this study could provide guide for the seal design and improvement.