A Numerical Model of a Rock Bit Bearing Seal

The mechanical seal with metal faces, used to seal the bearings in rock drill bits, plays a critical role in ensuring a long service life of the drill bit. A numerical model of such a seal has been developed for use as a design tool. The axisymmetric model encompasses a mixed lubrication elastohydrodynamic analysis, and predicts such quantities as leakage rate, film thickness distribution, fluid pressure and contact pressure distributions, interface temperature and face deformation. Model results show that the behavior of this seal, unlike that of conventional industrial seals, depends strongly on the ambient pressure, not just on the pressure drop across the seal. Presented at the 55th Annual Meeting Nashville, Tennessee May 7–11, 2000