Optimization of Design Parameters Affecting the Performance of a Magnetic Fluid Rotary Seal

Abstract

Three different design parameters of magnetic fluid seal are optimized for the maximum pressure differential capacity of the seal. The program finite element method magnetics (FEMM) based on finite element method is used to find the magnetic flux inside the gap for all the combinations of the design parameters. The data are analyzed using the MINITAB statistical analysis software. The multivariable regression analysis technique is used to find the percentage effect of different parameters and also the optimized dimensions. The effect of magnetic fluid volume on maximum pressure differential capacity of a seal is observed, and the optimized volume is found. The results provide enough data to design and fabricate the seal. This seal can be used in positive as well as negative pressure applications. For example, as vacuum rotary shaft seal in low-pressure chemical vapor deposition machines, pressure seal for stirrer shaft in chemical process chambers to seal toxic gases. This seal can also be used as an exclusion seal, such as a bearing protection seals in robotic arms used in manufacturing plants.