Misalignment-induced micro-elastohydrodynamic lubrication in rotary lip seals

F. Xavier Borras*, Matthijn B. de Rooij, Dirk J. Schipper

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)
96 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In literature the lubrication of rotary lip seals is explained by hydrodynamic action on a microscopic scale. This theory assumes perfect concentricity between the seal and the shaft which in reality seldomly occurs. Focusing on the stern tube seals application, an analysis is performed on the phenomena distorting the axisymmetric operation of rotary lip seals. Radial and angular shaft misalignments together with pressure and temperature gradients have been modelled. The model predictions are validated using a dedicated setup. Additionally, applying the soft-EHL film thickness expressions at the asperity level, an equivalent film thickness along the circumferential direction is estimated. The Reynolds PDE is solved to predict the misalignment-induced hydrodynamic pressure build-up. The film thickness variation derived and accompanying nonuniform contact pressure distribution was shown to be sufficient for hydrodynamic action and, depending on the minimum film thickness, the hydrodynamic pressure build-up can exceed the static contact pressure. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the radial and angular misalignment configurations.

Original languageEnglish
Article number19
JournalLubricants
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2020

Keywords

  • EHL
  • Film thickness
  • Lip seal
  • Misalignment
  • Rotary
  • Seal
  • Stern tube

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