Deformation mechanism and dimension optimization methods of PTFE oil seals for shafts in a wide temperature range cycle
Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
ISSN: 0036-8792
Article publication date: 26 December 2023
Issue publication date: 16 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the deformation mechanism of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) oil seal under a wide temperature range cycle.
Design/methodology/approach
This study categorizes the oil seal operation into three states: assembly, heating-up and cooling. The deformation equation for the oil seal is developed for each state, considering the continuity between them. The investigation of the oil seal’s deformation trends and mechanisms is performed using the ANSYS Workbench.
Findings
The assembling process results in a radial shrinkage of the skeleton, causing the centroid to move toward the axis. During heating-up, the outer diameter of the skeleton slightly expands, whereas the inner diameter sharply contracts toward the axis, leading to a further reduction in the centroid’s distance from the axis. Upon cooling, both the inner and outer diameters continue to contract toward the axis, causing the centroid to persist in its movement toward the axis. Consequently, after undergoing a heating-up and cooling cycle ranging from 20°C to 180°C, the outer diameter of the PTFE oil seal reduces by 0.92 mm from its original deformation, ensuring minimal contact between the skeleton and housing. As a result of the reduced static friction torque at the skeleton, the oil seal rotates along the shaft.
Originality/value
The deformation mechanism of PTFE oil seals under a wide temperature range cycle was investigated, aiming to address the concerns related to the rotation along the shaft and leakage.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2023-0142/
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation (Grant No. 52175064).
Citation
Xing, Y., Zhai, F., Li, S. and Gui, P. (2024), "Deformation mechanism and dimension optimization methods of PTFE oil seals for shafts in a wide temperature range cycle", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 76 No. 1, pp. 91-101. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-05-2023-0142
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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