Pressure capability analysis of magnetic powder seals and pole tooth design by multiparameter optimization

Abstract

Ferrofluid seals have been an increasingly popular sealing technique with unique advantages like zero leakage, long lifetime and low friction torque. But ferrofluid seals are incapable of specific working conditions, due to intolerance of extreme temperatures and limited pressure capability per stage. Recently, a novel sealing method using magnetic powders has been put forward to solve the problems. However, studies on the seal performance and theory of design are still blank. Here for the first time, we give a theoretical analysis of pressure capability of magnetic powder seals. The formula of pressure capability is derived, and a determinant coefficient is put forward. For sealing structure design, four derivative-free optimization algorithms are used to optimize geometric parameters of pole teeth. Finally, a sealing test bench was established, and the experimental data were compared with the simulation results. This research provides a basic theoretical and experimental guidance for magnetic powder seals.