New deflected-helix ribbed lip seal with enhanced sealing performance

A combined finite element analysis/computational fluid dynamics scheme is used to investigate the design of a new deflected-helix ribbed lip seal. The deflected-helix design extends the high pressure region in the convergent space between the rib add the lip on the air side and yields higher pumping rate and better sealing performance. A full parametric analysis is performed to identify the optimal parameters of the deflected-helix design. The validity of the optimal design is confirmed by comparing the simulated values of the pumping rate at shaft rotation speeds of 1000–6000 rpm with the experimental results.

► A coupled FEA/CFD scheme was developed to study the design of a new deflected-helix ribbed lip seal.
► The deflected-helix design guided the lubricant back to the sump, yielding better sealing result.
► The optimal deflected-helix design was realized by a full parametric analysis at 1000–6000 rpm.