The Behavior of a Rotary Engine Apex Seal against the Trochoidal Surface

Abstract

The behavior of three kinds of apex seals against the trochoidal surface was analyzed experimentally by measuring in synchronization with each travel of the seal along the surface, the change in electrical resistance between an electrically insulated sliding surface of an apex seal and the trochoidal surface. The results of this experiment revealed that a temporary lift-off of the apex seal from the trochoidal surface and inadequate contact of the mutual sliding surfaces could be observed under various load and speed conditions and they are explained by dynamic calculations.