Effects of surface topography on cavitation evolution of liquid film lubricated mechanical seals

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of surface topography, including surface roughness, waviness and taper, on the cavitation of liquid film lubricated mechanical seals (LFL-MS). Design/methodology/approach A universal governing equation considering cavitation is established, and an equivalent relative density is defined to characterize the cavitation degree. The equation is discretized by the finite volume method and solved by the Gauss–Seidel relaxation scheme. Findings Results indicate that both radial length and a circumferential width of the cavitation zone and cavitation degree are affected significantly by the waviness amplitude and taper, but the effect of surface roughness is limited. Originality/value Effect mechanism of surface topography on the cavitation of LFL-MS is investigated and cavitation degree is reflected by an equivalent relative density. The results further help to comprehensively explore the cavitation mechanism.

Effect of partial surface waviness on the dynamic and stability performance of journal bearing

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Numerical and Experimental Study on Waviness Mechanical Seal of Reactor Coolant Pump

“…Brunetière et al [23] analyzed the influence of the design and operating parameters on the thermo-hydrodynamic behavior of the mechanical end face seals in steady and dynamic tracking modes. To research the influence factors of cavitation starting and evolution, Li et al [24] analyzed the effects of different waviness amplitudes, numbers and tapers on the cavitation characteristics. The results indicated that the start and evolution of the cavitation were affected by both the waviness and radial taper, and the change of the cavitation region along the circumferential direction was influenced by the waviness, while that along the radial direction depended on the taper.…”