Static and dynamic characteristics of a Rayleigh-steps mechanical seal with reverse steps

Abstract

This paper presents a Rayleigh-steps mechanical seal with reverse steps (RS-MS), and the governing equation was solved by the finite difference method (FDM). The effects of angular misalignment, working condition parameters, and film thickness on sealing performance were discussed, including the opening force, cavitation ratio, leakage rate, frictional torque, stiffness and damping coefficients. The results indicate that the cavitation phenomenon in the reverse step groove can restrain the leakage, while it also affects the stability of the seal. The angular misalignment makes the seal have greater stiffness and damping coefficients. The stiffness and damping coefficients decrease rapidly with the increase of the film thickness, and the dynamic stability of the mechanical seal decreases with the increase of the film thickness, which is not conducive to the stable operation of the seal. The research results can guide the optimization design of mechanical seals.