Lubrication Analysis of Mechanical Seals Using Modified Average Flow Model

(2nd Report, Effects of Skewness and Kurtosis)

Abstract

The aim of this research is to establish the modified average flow model for applying to mechanical seals with parallel sealing faces. In the first paper, the effects of the root mean square roughness on the lubrication characteristics were investigated by the model, assuming that the probability density function of the roughness follows the normal distribution. In this paper, the flow factors are evaluated for smoothly finished surfaces with the several different skewness and kurtosis. The lubrication characteristics of mechanical seals are calculated by using these factors. The results show that as skewness decreases, the film thickness and frictional coefficient decrease. In addition, the flow rate has the lowest value at certain skewness. On the other hand, the film thickness, flow rate and frictional coefficient decrease as kurtosis decreases.