Design and development of an elastomer-based pneumatic seal using finite element analysis

Abstract

Abstract

To create a dynamic seal where sealing action takes place between surfaces in sliding contact, a variety of different shaped seals can be used. One such example is the lobed ‘O’ ring. This paper presents details of the experimental and analytical procedures used in order to develop a lobed seal design. To develop adequate and productive procedures, finite element models were created and non-linear analysis of an existing seal design was conducted in order to build further knowledge and understanding of the seal's performance characteristics. Experimental procedures have been developed to confirm these findings. Results obtained from the finite element analyses (FEAs) provided a very favourable comparison with empirical data and procedures developed were used to devise a new higher-performance seal. Key areas of improvement were reduced frictional forces, increased seal stability and higher operating pressures and temperatures. An irradiated polymer was used for the existing and new seal designs. This meant that manufacturing methods, valve body and spool dimensions were unchanged (making both seal designs interchangeable), but the potential of extending the temperature range was limited. The new seal design achieved all design objectives and procedures developed demonstrated that FEA is a very powerful tool in designing high-performance seals in a short time and at low cost.