A thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication model for hydraulic rod O-ring seals under mixed lubrication conditions

Because of the fluid viscous shear and the asperity contact friction, a temperature rise will occur in the sealing zone, which may cause rupturing of lubrication films or wear failure of seal rings. To investigate the influence of thermal effect on seal behavior, a thermo-elastohydrodynamic (TEHD) lubrication model for hydraulic rod O-ring seals under mixed-lubrication conditions is developed. The operation mechanism of thermal effect on seal behavior is revealed by checking the lubrication film. The TEHD characteristics of an O-ring seal under different operating conditions are analyzed and discussed. The numerical results show that the thermal effect should be taken into consideration in simulation analysis, and the generated heat tends to accumulate on the seal surface in the sealing zone.