Viscoelastic Effect on the Performance of Elastomeric and Plastic Seals by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Method

摘要

This paper presents the viscoelastic effect (the effect of time and temperature under a constant loading or deformation) on the performance of elastomeric and plastic materials and performance of seals and bearings made of these materials. This effect was studied using methods of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This study will help engineers to design these products with a better probability of long-term performance. This paper describes the viscoelastic (stress relaxation and creep) test methods and the FEA procedures to analyze the seals for time/temperature effect. Test results of samples of a number of elastomeric and plastic materials are given, along with the results of viscoelastic analyses by FEA of these samples. Comparison is made to validate these results. Some seals, made of elastomeric and plastic materials, are analyzed by FEA after they are installed and pressurized. The subsequent decay in sealing stresses and increase in creep strain and shape change are presented.