Friction Dynamics of Lip Seals

Lip seals, important components in many hydraulic devices, dissipate energy through friction, resulting in power loss. This study contributes to an understanding of lip seal friction by further exploring the connections between friction behavior, viscoelastic properties of robber and viscous properties of the lubricant. Experiments haven been conducted for short stroke oscillations, where these connections are quite strong. Sliding friction experiments at a variety of pressures, temperatures and oscillation rates (for different seal materials, surface roughnesses and lubricant viscosities) are examined. Speculative explanations are suggested for conditions under which friction maxima and frictional vibrations occur.