Analysis of an Unpressurized, Laterally Restrained, Elastomeric O-Ring Seal

Abstract

An unpressurized, elastomeric O-Ring seal inserted into a rectangular groove is analysed numerically and experimentally. The salient parameters characterizing the seal deformed geometry and stress field are investigated. The results gathered are confronted to those holding for a laterally unrestrained toroidal seal. Based on such a comparison, an analytical model is developed which accounts for the lateral restraining effects.