Experimental Study on Factors Influencing Self-restoring Characteristic of Magnetic Fluid Seal

doi:10.3901/JME.2025.13.213

Abstract

Abstract: The self-restoring characteristic of magnetic fluid seals is unique compared to other types of seals. This feature is particularly useful in complex and hazardous environments, where they can serve as an emergency solution in the event of seal rupture and quickly restore some sealing capacity. An experimental system is developed to investigate the factors that influence the self-restoring performance of a magnetic fluid seal, including the magnetic fluid's inner physicochemical properties and outer factors such as the seal's structure. The results indicate that viscosity and self-restoring length are key factors. The magnetic fluid seal with a viscosity of approximately 531.40 mPa·s and a self-restoring length of 15 mm can achieve a final restoring pressure of over 90%. Furthermore, there exists an optimal injection quantity for magnetic fluids with disparate viscosities, which can improve the self-restoring capacity of the seal while maintaining high sealing capacity. Additionally, the self-restoring ability can also be enhanced by improving the saturation magnetization of the magnetic fluid and reducing the rate of pressure increase in the seal chamber.

Key words: magnetic fluid, seal, self-restoring

CLC Number:

TG156

CHEN Nuo, LI Decai. Experimental Study on Factors Influencing Self-restoring Characteristic of Magnetic Fluid Seal[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2025, 61(13): 213-221.

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