Behavioural Modelling of Lips Seal Made with Polytetrafluoroethylene Enriched by Glass Fibers

Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene reinforced with glass fibers is a composite material widely used in industry mainly for the manufacture of seals at the level of the rotary shafts of vehicles and stationary floor machines such as turbines and compressors. However, due to elastic and viscous-plastic properties of this material, it wears quickly under the influence of some external parameters during operation. There is therefore material loss, increased clearance and loss of sealing. This work summarises a series of tests carried out with this material in order to analyse the variation of the friction coefficient due to the roughness of the work piece brought into contact with the PTFE, the linear velocity of contact between them and material yield strength. To do this analysis, we used the method of unconventional design of experiments to model the behaviour of material and consequently make decisions to reduce this wear. The results are shown and deeply analysed in the following text as a polynomial mathematical model, graphs, contours and response surfaces illustrating the holding of this material under the effect of the three parameters mentioned above. The previous PTFE samples enriched with chopped glass fibers are not subjected to axially force this time, contrary to the force applied radially. The advantage of this method is the relative linear velocity at the contact sample-disc and the applied pressure remains constant. Under the action of the weight "P" applied on the sample, it comes into friction with the rotating disc whose roughness changes from experience to another; it is expressed by the values of R a . Tangential friction force appears at the point of contact and is equilibrated by measured force F m on the lever. The calculation of the moment relative bench axis caused by 2 forces gives the coefficient of friction. Knowing the values of frictional force F t by calculation and the weight P, we determine then the friction coefficient.