On the Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication in Soft Seals

This communication is concerned with the elastohydrodynamic lubrication(EHL) problem in soft seals under reciprocating motion. The aim is todemonstrate theoretically that, if the Reynolds equation for isoviscous fluidsis coupled with a Winkler foundation [l] describing the seal deformabilityand if it is assumed that the dry contact pressure vanishes at the inlet andoutlet, in the absence of a sealed pressure no fluid film formation can occur.