Parametric analysis of heat transfer in non-contacting face seals

This paper discusses results of simulations conducted for non-contacting face seals showing the influence of the operational parameters on the distributions of temperature in the structural elements and the fluid film separating the sealing rings. The mathematical model developed for noncontacting face seals consists of cross-coupled differential equations with partial derivatives. We solved it analytically, taking into account various boundary conditions. The heat equations were solved using the method of separation of variables. The derived relationships were based on Bessel functions of the first and second kinds. By defining the relationships describing the distributions of temperature in the sealing rings and the fluid film separating them, we could determine the effect of the operational parameters on the variability of temperature fields. Confirmation of the simulation results with experimental data is essential to better recognize the phenomena taking place in the sealing assembly and improve the design of non-contacting seals so that they can be used in various industrial applications. In this paper, we also describe a specially designed test stand for compensation of the misalignment of the flexibly mounted ring and automatic control of the radial clearance height. The test stand can also be used to verify the results of analytical studies. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.