Analytical evaluation of stresses and displacements of stuffing-box packing based on a flexibility analysis

This work proposes a simplified analytical approach, using the theory of thick-walled cylinders to analyse the stresses and displacements in stuffing box systems. The magnitude and distribution of the lateral contact pressures generated at the housing-packing-stem interfaces as a result of the application of the gland axial stress are determined as a function of the radial flexibility of the different components involved. The results of the developed approach are compared and validated against the more accurate finite elements axisymmetric models.