Effect of surface topography and roughness on the leakage of static seals

Abstract Static seal is widely used in modern machinery. Leakage of static seals would shorten the mechanical system’s service life and affect the environment. To understand the leakage characteristics of static seals, in this work, an experimental apparatus for leakage quantization was built. The effects of surface topography and roughness on the leakage performance of static seals subject to elevated pressure were highlighted. It was found that the leakage rate is negatively correlated with contact pressure. Orientation of surface topography affects the leakage, where the grinding scar parallel to the leakage direction contributes to the leakage, and the perpendicular grinding scar has an inhibiting effect. The leakage rate of irregular and discontinuous surface topography is lower than that of regular ones, and it increases with increasing surface roughness. Furthermore, the leakage mechanism of surface topography and roughness was revealed. This work provides general guidance for the parameters design of static seals.