Simulation and experimental validation of translational hydraulic seal wear

In order to avoid failures and to define maintenance intervals of hydraulic seals, it is necessary to predict any leakage during lifetime operation. However, the leakage of translational seals is closely connected to the contact pressure distribution in the dynamic sealing contact and therefore to the continuing wear of the sealing edge. In this paper the mutual dependency of friction, fluid film and wear is simulated employing the wear model of Archard. The calculation of the fluid film is based on the Reynolds equation, while the model of Persson is applied for the solid contact. A comparison with experimental findings reveals a good agreement not only for the worn area, but especially for the exact geometry of the worn surfaces.