Surface Analysis of Radial Lip Seals With Deterministic Micro Cavities on the Shaft

Many approaches have been used to control the reverse pumping effect in radial lip seals. One of those is the use of oriented triangular micro-asperities on the shaft of the seal. This extended abstract presents areal surface parameter measurements from a lip seal with triangular micro-cavities oriented towards the direction of rotation. Surface parameters in the roughness, hybrid and functional groups are presented. The measurements are then discussed and placed in the context of radial lip seal performance.