μ-Mechanical characterization of tribologically stressed elastomer surfaces with respect to radial shaft sealing systems

This paper introduces the new µ-mechanical characterization method and its application for the post-test radial shaft seal (RSS) analysis of dynamic lubricant-elastomer compatibility tests. Therefore, the measurement procedure and accuracy will be discussed as well as the features which can be drawn from the measured force-displacement curve. Furthermore, it will be shown, how these features allow a precise evaluation of the seal material condition regarding hard deposits, hardening and softening. This will be summarized by showing the correlation of the visual-haptic elastomer assessment and the results of the newly developed characterization method which will increase the informative value of dynamic lubricant-elastomer tests.