Numerical simulation model of a reciprocating seal based on the mixed-lubrication theory

Abstract

Based on the mixed-lubrication theory, a numerical simulation model of a reciprocating seal is established. The model includes finite element, fluid mechanics, contact mechanics and deformation mechanics analyses. The hydrodynamic analysis uses elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory and inverse hydrodynamic lubrication to obtain the relationship between fluid pressure and film thickness, while the contact mechanics analysis obtains the relationship between the asperity contact pressure and film thickness. The influence of the coefficient matrix and static contact pressure is calculated by the finite element analysis. The coupling relationship among the fluid pressure, asperity contact pressure and static contact pressure is provided by the influence coefficient method of the deformation mechanics analysis. The calculation results of the numerical model are verified by experimental results, which are measured by the bench test developed by the authors.

Keywords

• mechanical contact
• numerical analysis
• lubrication
• deformation
• hydrodynamics
• seals (stoppers)
• finite element analysis
• static contact pressure
• deformation mechanics analysis
• numerical model
• numerical simulation model
• reciprocating seal
• mixed-lubrication theory
• fluid mechanics
• deformation mechanics analyses
• hydrodynamic analysis
• elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory
• inverse hydrodynamic lubrication
• fluid pressure
• film thickness
• contact mechanics analysis
• asperity contact pressure
• finite element analysis
• coupling relationship