Static Stresses in an Unpressurized, Rounded, Rectangular, Elastomeric Seal

Abstract

The Static Stress field in and unpressurized, rounded, rectangular, elastomeric seal is examined using both experimental and numerical techniques. A particular stress separation method is successfully employed in the photoelastic study. The salient features of the stress field and their relevance to the seal performances are outlined. An approximate theoretical model is proposed which permits the determination of the contact pressure profile.