Influence of ambient pressure on sealing performance of O-ring in deep-sea hydraulic system

Abstract

The power source of deep-sea operation equipment is usually a hydraulic system. The normal operation of the deep-sea hydraulic system relies heavily on the sealing performance of the widely used O-ring. The high ambient pressure in deep sea conditions can cause the O-ring to shrink in volume and change in compression, which seriously affect the sealing performance of the O-ring. In this paper, the structural deformation and the change of O-ring compression, both affected by the ambient pressure, are analyzed based on the elastic theory. With the finite element method, the non-linear model of the O-ring seal is established and its sealing performance in the deep-sea condition is simulated. The influence of dimensions and material properties on sealing performance is also analyzed. The research results in this paper can provide reference and theoretical support for the design and optimization of the O-ring seal in the deep-sea hydraulic system.