Dynamic Analysis of Contact Face Seals

A forward integration in time analysis that traces dynamic response of a face seal in five degrees of freedom is developed. Both rotating and stationary types of seal rings are considered, The analysis accounts for Coulomb friction at both the seal interface and the secondary seal. Compression of the carbon element in axial and angular modes is also included. Interface fluid-film effects (stiffness, damping, viscous shear, load) are applied whenever face separation occurs.

The analytical treatment was designed to produce a computer code that can be used efficiently as a design and/or diagnostic tool. Several examples of the use of the analysis are presented, and general conclusions regarding face seal performance are deduced as a result of the analysis.