Finite element analysis for short term O-ring relaxation

O-rings are used in machine devices like the seals components. They are inexpensive, and have simple mountingrequirements. In this article, an axisymmetric finite element model is proposed to study the O-ring relaxation during the firstday of its installation in the unrestrained axial loading case. The results of the numerical model are compared with those of ananalytical approach based on the classical Hertzian theory of the contact. The contact stress profiles and the peak contactstresses are determined versus the time relaxation in order to specify the working conditions thresholds.