Unsteady Analysis of a Mechanical Seal Using Duhamel’s Method

An unsteady numerical model of a mechanical seal, with mixed lubrication, has been developed. The thermal analysis is performed using Duhamel’s method is combination with a numerical experiment to determine Duhamel’s auxiliary function. The results using this semi-empirical approach compare well with those from a finite element analysis. The model has been used to predict the performance of a mechanical seal during startup and shutdown.