SOME MEASUREMENTS OF FLUID PRESSURES BETWEEN PLANE PARALLEL THRUST SURFACES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE BALANCING OF RADIAL-FACE SEALS

摘要

This report describes some experiments carried out with plane thrust surfaces of the type used in radial-face seals, to study the pressures in the gap between the surfaces.nEven without a pressure difference across the face, the fluid film was found to be capable of withstanding appreciable loads, and measurement of load and face separation for different shaft speeds and liquids were made. These generated pressures were often accompanied by a centipetal pumping action causing inward radial flow.nSimilar measurements were made with an applied pressure difference across the face, as in the case of a seal. In all the tests, the pressure exerted by the fluid between the faces was found to be greater than that expected on theoretical grounds. Reasons for the discrepancies are discussed.