Abstract
A two-dimensional axisymmetric thermal-fluid-solid coupled mathematical model of a contact mechanical seal is established. The finite difference method is used to solve the control equations for the fluid pressure and temperature of the seal end face, and the finite element method is used to determine the thermal deformation state of the seal. The seal’s performance at different working speeds was studied and verified by experiments. The results show that under the combined actions of thermal and mechanical deformations, the seal end face forms a convergent leakage gap from the outer diameter to the inner diameter. The minimum film thickness is observed on the inner diameter side of the seal end face, and the highest end face temperature coincides with this location. With increasing working speed, the contact force at the inner diameter side increases, the temperature difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the end face increases, and the leakage rate correspondingly increases. The numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The model and calculation method can be applied to other forms of mechanical seal design and optimization.
Highlights
IntroductionA mechanical seal is an axial end face device, and the fluid pressure and elastic force (or magnetic force) of the compensation mechanism keep the end faces of the rotor and stator in contact and allow sliding to prevent fluid leakage; such seals are called end face seals [1,2]
A mechanical seal is an axial end face device, and the fluid pressure and elastic force of the compensation mechanism keep the end faces of the rotor and stator in contact and allow sliding to prevent fluid leakage; such seals are called end face seals [1,2]
Considering the regular shape of the mechanical seal we studied and the absence of dynamic pressure grooves on the end face, the deformation of the seal end face was considered consistent in the circumferential direction
Summary
A mechanical seal is an axial end face device, and the fluid pressure and elastic force (or magnetic force) of the compensation mechanism keep the end faces of the rotor and stator in contact and allow sliding to prevent fluid leakage; such seals are called end face seals [1,2]. Blasiak et al [6] established a numerical simulation model of a noncontact mechanical seal considering the thermal deformation of the seal end face and the heat transfer of the film between seal faces. Galenne et al [9] established a two-dimensional thermoelastic flow model, considered the coupling relationship between fluid dynamics and the thermoelastic deformation of the structure through the influence matrix, and analyzed the stress form of the seal structure. Yang Dandan et al [15] established periodic models of rotors and stators using finite element software and performed three-dimensional force coupling and force-heat coupling calculations. The author established an axisymmetric multifield coupling model for mechanical seals by considering the relationship between mechanical deformation and thermal deformation, the pressure field distribution of the lubricating film, and the viscosity–temperature characteristics of the liquid film. The influence of the working speed on seal performance was analyzed, and an experimental study was conducted
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