Analysis of Mechanical Seal Behavior During Transient Operation

Abstract

A mathematical model that predicts the transient behavior of gas or liquid lubricated hydrostatic mechanical seals has been developed. The analysis includes an evaluation of the fluid, contact, and deformation mechanics of a mechanical seal subject to constant or varying rotational speed and sealed pressure. Squeeze film effects are included. For gas seals, slip at the walls is also taken into account. Results include predictions of film thickness distributions, contact forces, leakage rates, pressure distributions, heat generation rates, thermal deformation, and mechanical deformation.