Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

A computational framework has been developed for a fully coupled analysis of elastohydrodynamic lubrication and finite deformations of elastomeric reciprocating seals in hydraulic actuators. The relevant formulation is provided, which consistently treats finite configuration changes of the seal modelled as a hyperelastic (Mooney-Rivlin) solid. The steady-state hydrodynamic lubrication is modelled using the classical Reynolds equation. Coupling of the solid and fluid parts is fully accounted for, including friction due to shear stresses in the lubricant film. Detailed results of finite element simulations are provided for two benchmark problems of O-ring and rectangular rod seals in a wide range of process parameters.

Elastohydrodynamic lubrication, Hyperelastic model, Dynamic sealing

In this paper a micromechanical modelling approach is proposed, which is aimed at studying the lubricant flow and asperity deformation in the thin-film hydrodynamic lubrication regime. A finite element model is developed which couples the local lubricant flow at the asperity scale with the deformation of the asperities and of the underlying surface layer. Reynolds equation is used to describe the flow of lubricant which is modelled as a Newtonian fluid. An illustrative numerical example is provided.