Multiscale simulation of sliding contacts between two rough sealing surfaces

Abstract

A multiscale method based on numerical computation of finite element method (FEM) and movable cellular automata (MCA) is proposed. The proposed method aims to investigate the sliding contact of sealing rings in macroscale and microscale within a unified framework. The multiscale FEM–MCA coupling method based on mechanical and dynamic parameter transition has superior features such as multiscale time and multiscale space, which improve the efficiency of simulation significantly. Several certain positions of the sealing ring under different operating conditions were selected based on the thermal and structural responses obtained through FEM. Using the proposed multiscale method, we visualized and investigated several types of frictional information in microscale. Coefficients of friction (CoF) of all the cases were calculated and compared. The results indicate that the formation of a mechanically mixed layer (MML) has a significant function in reducing friction force. The thickness of the MML depends on the relative sliding velocity and external pressure. The CoF variations in the microscale model caused by the effects of MML differ from their macroscopic behaviors, but are in accordance with conventional friction theories.

Keywords

Rotary seals multiscale method sliding contact rough surfaces friction and wear

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