The Effects of Material Degradation on Sealing Performances of O-Rings

Abstract:

O-rings are seal structures widely applied in a variety of mechanical systems. In this paper, the time-dependent performances of O-rings are investigated with the aid of finite element (FEM) analysis. The investigation starts with a discussion on the failure mechanisms of O-ring seals and FEM models are built to establish relations between O-ring failures and the material properties. Since the material properties will degrade with time, we further investigate the influence of the degradation on the sealing performances of O-rings. The results show that the degradation of materials might be one reason for the time-dependent O-ring leakages and can be used to prevent O-rings from field failures.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 328)
• Pages: 1004-1008
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.328.1004
• Online since: June 2013
• Authors: Zhi Guo Zeng, Yun Xia Chen, Rui Kang
• Keywords: Finite Element Method (FEM), O-Rings, Rubber Degradation, Sealing

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