Numerical Analysis of the Flow Field Within Lip Seals Containing Microundulations

The flow field within the lubricating film of a rotating shaft lip seal containing microundulations is analyzed numerically. The results demonstrate that the action of the microundulations can prevent leavage through the seal. The effects on leakage rate of shaft speed, undulation amplitude and wavelength, shear deformation of the undulations, flattening of the undulations, and axial lip profile are presented