Effect of Angle Eccentricity on Lip Seal Performance of Helicopter Gearbox

Abstract

Rotary lip seals are key components of helicopter gearboxes, which inevitably have angle eccentricity. In this paper, a numerical simulation model considering angular eccentricity under mixed lubrication conditions is proposed to analyze the contact characteristics and sealing performance of lip seals under different eccentricity and temperature conditions. The results show that the eccentricity leads to a sinusoidal waveform contact area, an “M” shaped contact force, and reduced friction torque and leakage rate. With the increase of temperature, the contact area moves to the liquid side, the contact width increases, the contact force and friction torque both decrease, and the leakage rate increases. The error of comparison between experimental and calculated results is within 10%, and the model has high reliability.