Numerical Prediction of Friction, Wear, Heat Generation and Lubrication in Case of Sliding Rubber Components

Modeling strategies and algorithms have been presented for the numerical prediction of hysteretic friction, wear, frictional heat generation and lubrication state of rubber components subjected to sliding friction. All the algorithms presented base on different numerical techniques - such as finite element and finite difference method-, and mathematical methods (e.g. discrete Fourier transformation, numerical integration, etc.). This numerical approach allows the integration of the algorithms and, as a direct consequence, the development of design tools. As an example for the design tool, in the second part of this contribution, a very recently published numerical model has been adopted an applied to a widely used, standardized hydraulic O-ring. The model takes into consideration the effect of surface roughness, deformation of seal, pressure dependency of viscosity and cavitation, respectively. As an asperity type contact model is incorporated into the model it can be used not only for full film but also for mixed lubrication. By using the design tool developed both the pressure distribution within the lubricating film, and the amount of fluid flow transport during outstroke and instroke (their difference defines the amount of leakage) have been predicted.