On the Normal Stress Effect in Grease-Lubricated Bearing Seals

• The film formation in lip seals, due to non-Newtonian rheology of the lubricant, has been a topic of speculation. Earlier work suggests that normal stresses in grease would be favorable for the film build-up between the seal lip and shaft or bearing ring. In the current paper we evaluate this earlier work and our earlier theoretical seal lip model with a series of experiments. We use a modified concentric cylinder geometry and a model fluid to study the fluid pressure distribution in the seal type geometry. The results are then related to grease lubricated seals and our earlier theoretical predictions. The present analysis shows that this earlier work and our earlier predictions are not correct and indicate that normal stresses in the grease pull the seal lip towards the shaft, increasing the contact pressure. However, normal stresses also ensure the presence of grease on the shaft or bearing inner ring which enhances replenishment of the sealing contact.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Tribologi (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Tribology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Grease

Lip Seals

Non-Newtonian Behavior

Normal Stress

Machine Elements

Maskinelement

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)