A study of magnetic fluid seals for underwater robotic vehicles

Abstract

Underwater robotic vehicles (URVs) normally use mechanical seals with o-rings, rubber boots, PTFE or Grafoil wedges, or V-rings. Because mechanical seals can cause an unexpected malfunction, we try to adapt magnetic fluid seal (MFS) for underwater robotic vehicles. For reliable design of the MFS, we use numerical simulation of the flow in the MFS using finite element method. The results obtained from experimental investigations of the operation of the MFS contacting with pressurized water will be compared to numerical simulation results