A numerical study of the axial compressive behavior of a hyperelastic annular seal constrained in a pipe

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Date
2016
Authors
Bartel, Alix
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Abstract
Elastomer seals are used in a variety of industries that require flow isolation. The characterization of the behavior of these seals remains largely unexplored and hence, this study is focused on simulating and validating the axial-compressive behavior of an annular rubber seal constrained concentrically in a pipe. The elastomer material composing the seal, was experimentally characterized for its mechanical, frictional, and viscoelastic properties and modelled using models developed by Yeoh, Thirion, and Prony respectively. A 2D axisymmetric finite-element model was developed using ANSYS 16 and used alongside the material models to simulate an axial load versus displacement curve, a contact pressure distribution, and a pipe hoop strain gradient. The results for quasi-static loading and viscoelastic effects agreed within 7% and 18% of the experimental results, respectively. It was observed that pipe geometry, rubber chemistry, frictional properties, and viscoelastic effects have significant effect on the compressive behavior of the seal.
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FEA, Rubber, Hyperelasticity, Pipe Stress, Sealing Pressure, Rubber Friction, Sealing, Seal, Packer, Elastomer, Simulation, ANSYS, Viscoelasticity, Yeoh, Prony, Pipeline, Contact Pressure, Thirion, Finite Element Analysis, Pipe
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