Frictional heat transfer regularity of the fluid film in mechanical seals

The frictional heat transfer regularity in the mechanical seal system consisting of the rotating ring, the stationary ring, the fluid film in the end faces and the sealed medium was investigated. The primary factors affecting the frictional heat transfer regularity, such as the heat transfer coefficients from the rings to the sealed medium, the frictional heat flux, the frictional heat distribution ratio and so on, were discussed. The equations for calculating the temperature field both in the sealing members and in the fluid film were derived. The coupling analysis of the frictional heat of the fluid film and the thermal deformation of the two end faces of the rings was carried out to obtain the separation angle of the two deformed end faces in consideration of the viscosity change of the fluid film. The results indicate that the frictional heat of the fluid film heavily affects its characteristic and the sealing performance of mechanical seals. The frictional heat changes not only the shape of the gap between the end faces but also the viscosity of the fluid film, and thereupon leads to the increase of the leakage rate. The maximum temperature of the system is at the inner radius of the fluid film, and most of the frictional heat is conducted by the rotating ring. Based on the heat transfer analysis method put forward in this paper, the parameterized design of mechanical seals can be realized to determine the best geometrical parameters and to select the appropriate material of the sealing members.