An axisymmetric hydrodynamic interface element for finite-element computations of mixed lubrication in rubber seals

Abstract

This paper presents an elegant way to compute hydrodynamic lubrication in machine parts, especially in highly deformable dynamic seals. In such tribologic systems, the sealing and frictional behaviour is highly related to the interaction between the hydrodynamic lubrication and the structural deformation of the seal. In this work, a hydrodynamic interface element is developed in order to achieve a strong coupling of the fluid dynamics and the deformation of the solid structure. The fluid flow is represented by the two-dimensional steady-state Reynolds equation, the structural deformation by standard finite-element procedures. This method enables the application of arbitrary, non-linear material models provided by finite-element programs. Furthermore, a model for mixed lubrication, including frictional effects, is presented.