EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL STUDY OF FRICTION IN AN ELASTOMERIC SEAL FOR PNEUMATIC CYLINDERS

The behaviour of an elastomeric seal for a pneumatic cylinder piston i s analysed in this work. The aim of the paper is to validate experimen tally a numerical approach to evaluate seal performance, in actual wor king conditions. The friction force between seal and the cylinder bore is evaluated through experimental tests and numerical simulations, us ing a finite element model. Working conditions are simulated for diffe rent piston rod velocity and cylinder supply pressure, both in dry con ditions, boundary and fluid lubrication conditions. Simulation is obta ined by an iterative process that uses the friction coefficient, exper imentally measured, as a function of speed and lubrication conditions. Results obtained from experimental tests and numerical simulation are compared to determine the friction force between seal and cylinder bo re. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.