Soft elastohydrodynamic analysis of rotary lip seals

Abstract

The extensive literature on the elastohydrodynamic analysis of rotary lip seals is reviewed. Models that predict quantities such as film thickness and reverse pumping rate and that elucidate the physical processes governing the behaviour of rotary lip seals are described. Thermal effects, mixed lubrication, capillary effects, transients, viscoelasticity, statistical approaches, and so-called hydrodynamic seals are discussed.