Issue EPL Volume 86, Number 4, May 2009 Article Number 44006 Number of page(s) 5 Section Electromagnetism, Optics, Acoustics, Heat Transfer, Classical Mechanics, and Fluid Dynamics DOI 10.1209/0295-5075/86/44006 Published online 04 June 2009

EPL, 86 (2009) 44006
DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/86/44006

Leak rate of seals: Comparison of theory with experiment

B. Lorenz and B. N. J. Persson

IFF, FZ Jülich - D-52425 Jülich, Germany, EU

b.persson@fz-juelich.de

received 11 March 2009; accepted in final form 5 May 2009; published May 2009
published online 4 June 2009

Abstract
Seals are extremely useful devices to prevent fluid leakage. We present experimental results for the leak rate of rubber seals, and compare the results to a novel theory, which is based on percolation theory and a recently developed contact mechanics theory. We find good agreement between theory and experiment.

PACS
46.55.+d - Tribology and mechanical contacts.
81.40.Pq - Friction, lubrication, and wear.

© EPLA 2009

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