Temperature Distribution Measurement and Internal Flow Visualization in the Lubrication Film of Non-contacting Mechanical Seals

Abstract The surface textures of non-contacting mechanical seals form a few micrometers thick lubrication film that aids in achieving high performance the seal. Improved texture design can control internal fluid flow, improving sealing and characteristics. However, thickness is sensitive to thermal deformation, making vulnerable heat. Excessive temperature increases deviations distribution cause degradation or damage seals. Previous studies have suggested heat transfer impacting these issues may be influenced by however, experimental examining flow fields not been conducted yet. This study presents equipment, measurement distributions observation films with three different textures—non-textured, Rayleigh step, spiral groove. Furthermore, results were compared those numerical analysis. Temperature was found higher at downstream end flow. In particular, step seal exhibited nonuniform alternated between low high-temperature areas. caused cooling related radial grooves had pumping effect. contrast, uniform confirmed case groove seal, which formed mixing outer inner side fluids. indicate controlled via field shape depth protect against achieve reliability Graphical