Finite Element Analysis of O-ring Performance Reinforced by a Metallic Core

Abstract

This work presents a comparative analysis between a homogeneous O-ring and an another composed of the union of two materials. Two axisymmetric finite element models developed in this article using the ANSYS software study the seals behavior during their deformations. The results of the numerical model are compared with those of the analytical approach based on Hertz’s contact theory. The introduction of a metal core inside the elastomer O-ring can improve not only the seal’s resistance but also the maximum value of the contact pressure.