Numerical modelling of hydraulic seals by inverse lubrication theory

This article describes a methodology used to achieve a numerical analysis of hydraulic seals by the inverse hydrodynamic lubrication method. The main novelties consist of taking into account the influence of the shear stresses in the lubricant film and in the treatment of hydrodynamic effects on the seal inlet. Each step is detailed and discussed in terms of possible error over the predicted seal performances. It has been shown that the pressure field computed directly from the structure model does not give a realistic approximation of the hydrodynamic pressure in the inlet zone, and a hydrodynamic correction is necessary. Furthermore, it has been shown that if the tangential friction due to the shear stress in the lubricant film is not taken into account, error of about 5 per cent can be made, concerning the predictions of leakage and friction force.