Elastohydrodynamic Analysis of the Effect of Shaft Surface Finish on Rotary Lip Seal Behavior

Abstract

In most pervious numerical studies of lip seal behavior, the shaft surface is modeled as perfectly smooth. In the present study, a more realistic shaft surface with asperities is included in a full film lubrication model. An elastohydrodynamic analysis, incorporating both the fluid mechanics of the lubricating film and the elastic behavior of the lip, is performed to predict the hydrodynamic effect of the shaft surface on lip seal operation. Operating characteristics such as load support, reverse pumping rate, cavitation area, average film thickness and liftoff speed are investigated.