Sealing mechanism and failure analysis of actuator reciprocating seal

This paper briefly analyzes the sealing mechanism of actuator reciprocating seal. Taking the O-ring in reciprocating seal as an example, the finite element model was established by ANSYS Workbench. O-ring working stress distribution and failure mechanism were studied with finite element analysis method. The equivalent stress, the shear stress, the contact stress and the friction stress, under different seal fluid pressures and different working speeds, are analyzed. Through the study on the sealing mechanism and mechanical characteristics of the O-ring in reciprocating motion, this paper analyzes the causes of seal failure, and discusses the relationships between the stress state and pressure, as well as the stress state and working speed. The failure criterion of reciprocating seal for `O' rubber ring is given at last. The conclusions can provide reference for properly using rubber O-ring and guidance to the study of failure regularity and life prediction method in the dynamic seal.