Deformation Characteristics of the High-Pressure Mechanical Seal Based on the Thermo-Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication Model

Abstract

A three-dimensional thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic (TEHD) lubrication model is presented for the high-pressure deep-grooved mechanical seal employed. The thermo-elasto deformation behaviors of the seal rings are investigated using the finite element method (FEM). The parametric studies are conducted to explore the deformation characteristics of the seal face and sealing performance under different operating conditions. The results reveal that the deep-grooved face seal induces circumferential waviness deformation of the seal face, generating the hydrodynamic wedge effect dominated by the axial mechanical deformation along the circumferential direction. However, a significant hydrostatic effect produced by the deformation of the seal face along the radial direction is dominant in the load-carrying capacity of the fluid film. The thermo-mechanical coupling deformation of the seal face decreases with increasing fluid pressure and increases as the spring force and rotational speed increase. The leakage rate increases with higher fluid pressure, while it decreases with increased spring force and rotational speed. The axial stiffness of the fluid film increases with greater spring force and rotational speed but decreases with increasing fluid pressure. These findings can serve as theoretical guidance for developing high-pressure deep-grooved mechanical seals with enhanced reliability and stability.