Finite element based transient elastohydrodynamic simulation of translational hydraulic seals

Seals are crucial machine elements in hydraulic devices. However, especially with regard to dynamic seals – for example in cylinder applications – the physical understanding of the sealing mechanism is still insufficient. In this paper a physically based, transient elastohydrodynamic simulation for translational hydraulic seals is presented. The deformation of the seal is calculated in a dynamic finite element (FE) simulation, hyper- and viscoelastic material properties are taken into account. For the numerical calculation of the fluid film and its influences on the seal deformation the FE simulation is coupled with an implementation of the transient Reynold’s equation. For a physically based calculation of the solid contact, the FE-model is coupled with Persson’s theory of rubber friction and contact mechanics. Both, normal force and solid friction are implemented. In a simulation study the influence of the relative velocity in the contact between the elastic, highly deformable seal and a hard cylinder is investigated. The initial phase of motion is investigated in detail. The simulation results are compared to experimental data of a lubricated sliding contact between an nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) O-ring and a rough steel surface.