Modeling of the Strugula Hypothesis of Carbon-Seal Blistering

Abstract

Theoretical modeling of the oil expansion hypothesis for blister formation is carried out. The authors estimate the pressure developed when a porous carbon soaked with oil is subjected to a temperature change, and the authors use that pressure to gauge the tendency for a crack emanating from a pore to extend. The potential reduction in oil pressure associated with oil being able to migrate from regions of high pressure to low pressure is then quantified through the use of Darcy's law. The role of various physical parameters in enabling this mechanism of blister formation is discussed.

KEY WORDS:

• Face seals
• Carbon
• Blistering