Structural optimization and performance improvement of rock drill seals based on orthogonal test

Abstract The drill tail of a rock drill meets high-frequency fretting in both the rotational and axial axes. The pure water seal is prone to damage and failure owing to its difficult working features and the low viscosity of the water medium. Orthogonal testing is used to simulate and model the Y-shaped seal ring to enhance the performance of the water seal. The maximum contact stress and maximum Von Mises stress are selected as indicators of sealing effectiveness based on an assessment of the effects of different seal section parameters on sealing performance. These insights serve to improve the building of the water seal. Maximum contact stress is demonstrated to be linked to lip thickness and chamfer length, but inversely proportional to lip length. Meanwhile, the maximum Von Mises stress is directly influenced by lip depth, including the angle of the lip and drill tail, and is inversely linked to lip thickness. Maximum contact stress and maximum Von Mises stress are lowered by 15% and 45%, respectively, in the revised Y-shaped water seal, resulting in greatly better sealing performance.