Part 1 discusses the requirements for the satisfactory operation of a reciprocating metal rod seal for a hydraulic actuator. Elastohydrodynamic theory is used to predict seal performance, and results indicate that with a suitable geometry good lubrication is possible in both stroking directions of the jack rod, even when the fluid flow is against the sealed pressure.
In Part 2, an experimental study of the lubrication of these seals is described. They exhibited low friction and zero net leakage, and measurements of oil film shape are presented which illustrate why this is so.
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