A wedge penetration model to estimate leak through elastomer–metal interface

Abstract

Elastomeric seals are devices that are widely used to prevent fluid leakage through the interface of a variety of mating industrial components. Gas leak through these seals involves gas flow through the interface of the seal and its corresponding mating component. This flow is understood to initiate due to separation of the surfaces at the sealing interface due to gas pressure. Modelling this separation can aid in optimizing seal designs and in estimating seal failure. In this paper, we develop a simple wedge penetration-based model to describe the separation. The frame work of the model is generic so that it can represent gradual as well as complete seal failures. We illustrate the applicability of this model for elastomer–metal interfaces which involve gradual separation. Nitrogen gas leak rate experimental data for stainless steel with three different elastomers are described using the model. We further discuss the processes and challenges involved in employing this model to estimate leak rate of gas through elastomeric seals of different geometries.