Improving the Performance of a Mechanical Seal by Surface Texturing
It is well known that fluid film between parallel smooth surfaces cannot support any load. Surface texture as a technology to modify the topography of mating surfaces is one of the reliable methods to generate hydrodynamic load in the fluid film of sliding parallel surfaces, such as mechanical seals and thrust bearings [1]. A considerable work was done on the circular dimple [2]. Area density and depth ratio are the main geometric parameters which are studied and optimized to enhance tribological performance. In recent years, some studies have shown that geometric shape and distribution of dimples have an obvious influence on the performance of textured surfaces [3,4].