Study on structure optimization and performance improvement of Y-shaped water seal of rock drill

Purpose The rock drill’s drill tail experiences high-frequency fretting simultaneously in the rotational and axial directions. Due to the complex working characteristics and the low viscosity of the water medium, the pure water seal is susceptible to damage and failure. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the water seal’s performance. Design/methodology/approach The Y-shaped seal ring is modeled and simulated using orthogonal testing. Through analysis of the impact of various seal section parameters on sealing performance, the maximum contact stress and maximum Von Mises stress are selected as indicators of sealing effectiveness. Findings The maximum contact stress is proportional to lip thickness and chamfer length but inversely proportional to lip length. Meanwhile, the maximum Von Mises stress is directly influenced by lip depth and the included angle of the lip and drill tail but is inversely proportional to the lip thickness. The enhanced Y-shaped water seal sees reductions of 15% and 45% in maximum contact stress and maximum Von Mises stress, respectively. Originality/value This paper used analytical method and model that is helpful for design of the water seal’s structure in complex working characteristics and the low viscosity of the water medium. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2023-0366/