A Sensitivity Study of the Maximum Stress in a Rubber Circular Ring to the Coefficient of Friction Using FEM

Abstract

The paper presents a sensitivity study of a rubber circular ring (O-Ring) depending on the value of the coefficient of friction (design parameter) between the ring and the surfaces between which it is mounted. The response value is the maximum von Mises stress in the rubber ring. The influence of temperature was not taken into account.
Through this sensitivity nonlinear analysis using finite element modeling, the correlation between Equivalent maximum Von Mises Stress and Friction coefficient can be established, determining a maximum stress level of the rubber ring to the friction coefficient. This relationship is important for the preload stage of the gasket functioning.