Numerical analysis of the texture effect on the hydrodynamic performance of a mechanical seal

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the main geometrical characteristics of texture on the hydrodynamic lubrication of a mechanical seal. A parametric study was carried out in order to improve the performance of a mechanical seal. The numerical model used in this study solves the Reynolds equation coupled with a mass conservative model which takes into account the cavitation phenomenon. It is shown that among the six dimple shapes tested herein, namely cylinder, square, triangle, truncated cone, truncated pyramid, and spherical cap, the triangular dimples placed symmetrically with respect to their bases are more effective for enhancing the hydrodynamic performance of the mechanical seal. The effect of the area and depth ratios is studied and optimized as well. The optimized solution is able to minimize friction and leakage under a range of operating conditions.