Title: Analysis and experimental study on oil leakage from fluid bearing

Authors: N. Hishida, T. Hirayama, M. Hashimoto, T. Matsuoka, H. Yabe

Addresses: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe-City, 610-0394, Japan. ' Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe-City, 610-0394, Japan. ' Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe-City, 610-0394, Japan. ' Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakodani, Tatara, Kyotanabe-City, 610-0394, Japan. ' Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka Electro-Communication University, 18-8 Haccho, Neyagawa, Osaka 572-8350, Japan

Abstract: The fundamental characteristics of the taper seal used to prevent oil leakage from fluid bearings were analysed theoretically and investigated experimentally. The three-dimensional flow field was theoretically analysed using numerical fluid dynamics, and the profile of the oil meniscus was calculated using the balance between the pressure field and surface tension. The oil meniscus was experimentally investigated using a micro-focus laser microscope. Three triggers for oil leakage were identified: the oil contact angle on the sleeve surface becoming excessive, the convex portion of the meniscus profile extending beyond the edge of the sleeve, and cavitation occurring in the oil.

Keywords: taper seals; fluid seals; surface tension; fluid dynamic bearings; spindle motors; HDD; oil leakage; fluid bearings; fluid dynamics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2010.030484

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2010 Vol.4 No.2, pp.121 - 137

Published online: 18 Dec 2009 *

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