Experimental and numerical study of friction in an elastomeric seal for pneumatic cylinders

Abstract The behaviour of an elastomeric seal for a pneumatic cylinder piston is analysed in this work. The aim of the paper is to validate experimentally a numerical approach to evaluate seal performance, in actual working conditions. The friction force between seal and the cylinder bore is evaluated through experimental tests and numerical simulations, using a finite element model. Working conditions are simulated for different piston rod velocity and cylinder supply pressure, both in dry conditions, boundary and fluid lubrication conditions. Simulation is obtained by an iterative process that uses the friction coefficient, experimentally measured, as a function of speed and lubrication conditions. Results obtained from experimental tests and numerical simulation are compared to determine the friction force between seal and cylinder bore.