A study on the fluid-flow and the film-thickness of radial shaft seals using fluorescent micro-capsule visualization and laser-induced fluorescent method

摘要

In this paper a new visualization method is presented that allows the observation of fluid flow in microscopic regions. The method uses specially developed micro-capsules, which show fluorescence at wavelengths from 450 to 590 nm. The density of the capsules is just a little bit higher than that of conventional lubricant oil or water, so that the florescent micro-capsules method does not disturb the path lines of the original fluid flow. First observation results obtained from the fluid flow around the ribs of a common radial seal are shown. In addition, qualitative measurement results of the fluid film thickness of beneath a conventional radial plain seal obtained by using the Laser Induced Fluorescent (LIF) method are presented.