No.1021E 2025Special Edition on Mobility Technologies Reduction of Seal Torque under Grease Lubrication and Elucidation of Its Mechanism |
| Category | TECHNICAL PAPERS |
|---|---|
| Author | T. KAWABAYASHI Material R&D Dept., Research & Development Division Y. OOTAKI N. GOTO Data Analytics R&D Dept., Research & Development Division |
| Abstract | This study investigated the mechanism of torque reduction of rotating shaft seals used under grease lubrication and different seal surface roughness. Laser-induced fluorescence method was used to measure the oil film thickness distribution in the seal sliding area. It was found that the oil film thickness increased, and micro voids formed with the roughness of the seal surface. The mechanism by which seal torque is reduced under grease lubrication can be considered to be caused by a reduction in shear resistance due to increased oil film thickness and microvoid formation within the oil film. This illustrated the importance of optimizing the surface shape in addition to roughening the rubber surface. |
| Keyword | seal, asperities, laser-induced fluorescence, oil film thickness, coefficient of friction |
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