Semi-Analytical Model for the Contact Temperature Calculation in Radial Shaft Seals
The tribological radial shaft seal ring system consists of three major components: shaft, seal ring and lubricant. The seal ring itself has a garter spring and a metal case, but apart from that consists mostly of elastomeric material. The material properties of the elastomer are highly temperature dependent. For that reason the knowledge of the seal temperature during operation is an important requirement for a leakage and failure free operation. The consequences of wrong temperature design can be wide and diverse. Loss of contact pressure, oil carbon development or cracks in the elastomer surface are just a few examples. The temperature distribution in shaft and seal is influenced by the amount of heat generated at the sealing interface, by the amount of heat that is transported by the lubricant and by the heat flow into the neighboring components. That is why the consideration of the seal ring environment is essential for an accurate simulation of the seal temperature.