Finite element analysis of large-sized O-rings used in deep-ocean pressure chambers

• Published in: Advances in mechanical engineering Vol. 13; no. 8
• Main Authors: Song, Wentao, Cui, Weicheng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.08.2021; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Clearances; Criteria; Cross-sections; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; Low pressure; O ring seals; Pressure chambers; Pressure vessels; Sealing; Non-standard; O-rings; finite element analysis; large-sized; deep-ocean pressure chambers; static sealing
• ISSN: 1687-8132; 1687-8140
• DOI: 10.1177/16878140211040672

A proper criterion to guide how to determine the cross-section diameter of non-standard large-sized O-rings used in deep-ocean pressure chambers (DOPCs) is absent. To design a large-sized O-ring only by scale-up could be a lack of persuasiveness, and it will probably cause the increase of cost. This paper gives a detailed study on the static sealing performance of O-rings by finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that the influence of the inside diameter of O-rings can be ignored, and the O-rings with a large cross-section diameter may not be applicable to the high-pressure DOPCs, but it can allow a larger sealing clearance to be used in the low-pressure DOPCs. The reference values of safe sealing pressure with different cross-section diameters and different sealing clearances are ascertained. An improved criterion to guide how to determine the cross-section diameter of non-standard large-sized O-rings used in DOPCs is proposed. The results obtained in this paper can provide a more convincing guideline for the O-ring sealing design not only in DOPCs but also in the similar pressure vessels.