Analytical and experimental investigation into the sealing and lubrication mechanisms of the gear ends in pumps

This paper presents the results of an analytical and experimental investigation into the mechanism that determines the clearances between the end plates and the gears of a fixed clearance gear pump. By examining the bearing misalignment and hydrodynamically generated pressures between the ends of the gear and the casing, the likely position of the gear under any operating conditions is assessed and the likely minimum film thicknesses predicted by this theory are shown to agree with the values measured. © 1989