A research result was presented at the symposium session "S7. Tribology Technology in Seals" as part of the Tribology Conference 2025 Autumn Hakodate, held in Hakodate on October 18-10.

Effect of O-ring Compression Reaction Force Distribution on Rotational Behavior of Floating Seals

Presenter: Masaru Shimada (Komatsu, Science Tokyo) photo below
Co-authors: Akira Sumitani (Komatsu, Science Tokyo), Keiji Kyogoku, Shinji Tanaka (Science Tokyo)

Floating seals, used in the undercarriage shaft seals of construction machines and similar equipment, consist of a pair of metal seal rings and rubber O-rings.
This report discusses how the circumferential distribution of the O-ring compression reaction force generated during assembly affects the eccentric behavior of the seal rings during rotation.
The eccentricity between the seal rings alters the contact pressure distribution on the sealing surface, providing valuable insights into oil sealing performance.

We will apply these results to development of long-life machines.