Effects of rotor surface texture on rotary vane actuator end sealing performance

The dynamic pressure oil film is difficult to form between the end seal ring and the rotor during the hydraulic rotary vane actuator (RVA) operates, which results in the sealing surfaces sustain severe friction and wear. Thus, a series of circular micro-dimples was processed on the rotor surface using laser surface texturing technology to reduce these. The mathematical model of the end seal was established based on the fluid dynamic lubrication equation. In the meanwhile, the friction torque and leakage between the sealing clearances were calculated. In addition, verification experiments were performed. The results showed that the rotor surface texture can effectively improve the RVA end sealing performance under lubricated conditions.