Research on Effects of Groove Shape Optimization on Cavitation and Lubricating Characteristics for Microgroove Rotary Seal

This article studies the effects of groove shape optimization on cavitation and lubricating characteristics of microgroove rotary seals (MGRS). A lubrication model considering cavitation effects for MGRS is established to obtain the variation in cavitation and lubricating characteristics with operating conditions. Furthermore, an optimization model of groove shape based on the lubrication cavitation model is developed and an optimal groove is obtained by co-designing the parameters of both groove shape structures and molded lines. The effects of optimal grooves and ordinary spiral grooves on cavitation and lubricating characteristics are compared and validation tests are carried out. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that the lubrication cavitation model based on the mass conservation boundary condition for MGRS could accurately predict the cavitation region of ordinary spiral grooves. Optimal grooves improve the pressure distribution of the groove area and restrain the generation of a cavitation region; therefore, the fluid bearing capacity and dynamic stiffness of optimal grooves are much larger than those of ordinary spiral grooves.