Finite Element Mechanical Analysis of Cushion Seals in High Speed Pneumatic Cylinder

Abstract

The design of pneumatic cylinder seals is in accordance with the theory of fluid elastic tight seal. The sealing mechanism depends on the contact force which is created by the interference of initial elastic seal assembly and the sealing force which is created by the working fluid acting on the elastomeric material. In the high-speed pneumatic cylinder, the buffer structure enables the piston decelerates rapidly and stops stably. When the buffer stage begins, it will produce a strong dynamic contact between the cushion seals and the cushion spear. After the failure of cushion seals happen，the buffering capacity will be declined sharply. Therefore, the mechanical properties analysis of the cushion seals becomes very important. The material characteristics and the magnitude of interference of the cushion seals as well as the operating speed of the cylinder piston have a large impact on the life of the cushion seals. In this paper, based on the finite element analysis software ABAQUS, it provides certain reference value for the cushion seals material selection and structural parameters.