Elastohydrodynamic lubrication and finite configuration changes in reciprocating elastomeric seals

A computational framework has been developed for a fully coupled analysis of elastohydrodynamic lubrication and finite deformations of elastomeric reciprocating seals in hydraulic actuators. The relevant formulation is provided, which consistently treats finite configuration changes of the seal modelled as a hyperelastic (Mooney-Rivlin) solid. The steady-state hydrodynamic lubrication is modelled using the classical Reynolds equation. Coupling of the solid and fluid parts is fully accounted for, including friction due to shear stresses in the lubricant film. Detailed results of finite element simulations are provided for two benchmark problems of O-ring and rectangular rod seals in a wide range of process parameters. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.