Model-based assessment of the cooling potential of additively manufactured shafts considering the ageing-related service life of radial shaft seals

The service life of radial shaft seals (RSS) is decisively limited by their contact temperature, as it governs the elastomer ageing process at the sealing lip. However, reliable methods for predicting this ageing-related service life are not yet available to users. Against this background, this contribution presents a prediction model based on application-oriented static ageing tests, which could support the improved design of RSS sealing systems in the future. Furthermore, the model is necessary for the investigation of an active contact temperature reduction. This concept relies on additively manufactured shafts with an open-porous core, enabling air permeation in dedicated bench tests and serving as a hybrid porous machine element. An application-oriented characterization of the cooling potential in the tribological system of the RSS and its counter surface was carried out. The incorporation of the observed cooling potential into the ageing model indicates significant service life extensions while providing a tangible metric for designers.