Life Prediction of Nitrile Rubber Seals under Hydrogen Permeation Based on Fracture Mechanics

Hydrogen is regarded as a crucial low-carbon energy carrier for energy storage. Due to their excellent sealing properties, rubber O-rings have been widely used in the field. However, rubbers are prone to hydrogen permeation and swelling, which can compromise their service life and ultimately result in sealing failure, posing significant safety risks. Therefore, predicting the lifespan of sealing components subjected to hydrogen is of critical importance. This study first interprets the macroscopic phenomena of hydrogen permeation and swelling from the perspective of molecular chain statistics. Subsequently, a lifespan prediction model for hydrogen permeation and swelling is proposed, and FEM of the sealing component is developed to calculate strain energy density. This method can predict the service life of sealing components under certain conditions, thereby improving the efficiency of hydrogen utilization safety.