Edward Kwon
Friction, Wear, and Lubrication of Materials
Project Proposal
Tribology of Reciprocating Hydraulic Seals
This research paper will focus on the tribology of reciprocating seals in hydraulic actuators. In a hydraulic
actuator, a thin lubricating film will exist between the seal and the cylinder depending on the seal
squeeze due to small microfine pockets. This thin lubricating film helps to reduce friction which helps to
reduce energy dissipation and cuts down on abrasion and wear of the material. However, the smaller
the seal squeeze and thus the friction, the greater chance there is for leakage to occur. Therefore, a
decision must be made between lower friction and lower leakage.
Topics of interest:
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Optimization of seal squeeze to cut down on both friction and leakage
Effects of friction on wear (including effects of foreign material from a dirty environment)
Effects of different seal designs
Impact of surface roughness on ability of hydraulic cylinder to hold oil