The improvement of the energy efficiency of industrial gear motors and gearboxes is a common problem
for many gear unit manufacturers and users. As other mechanical components, the radial lip seals used
in such units generate friction and heat and contribute to the energy losses of the mechanical systems.
Today, simulation tools are today helping to improve the efficiency of mechanical systems, but accurate
models for seal frictional losses need to be developed.
In this paper SKF presents an engineering model for radial lip seal friction based on a physical approach.
The friction model includes the generation of friction due to rubber deformation and lubricant viscous
shear between the surfaces of a seal and a shaft. The friction model is coupled with heat generation and
seal thermal model. Indeed, seal friction and seal temperature are closely related: the heat generated in
the sealing lip is conducted through the seal and shaft and dissipated into the environment. This
increases the temperature of the lubricant, changing its viscosity and the temperature of the seal,
changing the material properties.