Finite Element Analysis of the O-ring Behavior Under Uniform Squeeze Levels and Internal Pressure

Abstract

The variety of applications, in all industrial fields, whether for routine use or a specific application, requires the design of increasingly efficient sealing systems. O-rings are fundamental elements in many industrial devices and machines, thanks to advantages such as low cost, small size, cleanliness, and ease of assembly. Moreover, the O-ring is available in thousands of dimensions. In this work, the analysis of the mechanical and leakage behavior of the O-ring seal, when installed either in a groove or between two plates, is presented. The behavior of the assemblies in both scenarios when the clamping force and fluid pressure are applied is investigated using two numerical models generated with Ansys software. The numerical model findings are compared to the analytical approach based on Hertz contact theory and other researchers' experimental results. This study shows that the use of a groove to ensure the mounting of elastomeric O-rings is important in pressurized installations. Furthermore, for different pressure conditions, the reliability of the O-ring strongly depends on three parameters: compression ratio of the seal, the hardness of the seal, and the friction coefficient.