Elastomer explosive decompression modelling

• Main Author: Edmond, Keith Stuart
• Published: Cranfield University 2003
• Subjects: 620.1122
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.486100

The fatigue characteristics oftwo 'explosive decompression resistant' materials have been determined and used to predict the materials performance when subjected to multiple decompressions. Explosive decompression failure can cause blistering and cracking of an elastomer seal, potentially causing leakage, which can have significant financial and environmental implications for the company involved. This research has developed a finite element model, which analyses the onset ofdamage in O-rings subjected to decorppression cycling. The model can be used to estimate the number of cycles to failure for O-rings housed in several groov~ designs and s~jected to a range of temperatures and pressures. Through analysis of seals subjected to multiple decompressions, fatigue was identified as a major damage mechanism. Fatigue rings were clearly visible on the fracture surfaces of damaged seals.