Abstract
The accuracy of the isoviscous solution of the Reynolds equation for mechanical seals is examined by comparison with a temperature-dependent solution. It is found that the isoviscous solution produces a radial pressure distribution that always overestimates the more realistic temperature-dependent pressure distribution. The error depends on a single variable which contains in it the type of sealed fluid and the thermal operating conditions of the seal. It is shown that for the practical range of seals operation conditions the accuracy of the isoviscous solution is very good.
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