Numerical analysis of leakage of elastomeric seals for reciprocating circular motion

A cambered elastomeric seal used in a novel universal joint for reciprocating circular motion is investigated. Then based on the linear elastic Hooke equations and the Reynolds equation, mathematical models of the contact pressure, film thickness and leakage with the method of variable substitution are established. The numerical analysis and simulation are performed based on the modified inverse hydrodynamic (IH) method and MATLAB numerical method. Besides, effects of various parameters on the sealing performance are investigated systematically. The simulation results verify the effectiveness and feasibility of proposed mathematical model and numerical algorithm. The results also lay the theoretical basis for the structure design and performance analysis of the seal assembly.