The effect of the O-ring on the end face deformation of mechanical seals based on numerical simulation

The end face deformation of the flexible ring of mechanical seals influenced by the O-ring was analyzed in numerical simulation method based on ANSYS platform. The combined contact model of isolated bodies for the flexible ring and the O-ring was established by transforming nonlinear constraint between them into interface force. The results indicated that the end-face deformation of the flexible ring was directly influenced by the fractional compression of the O-ring and the radial taper of the sealing face increased with increasing fractional compression. The excessive fractional compression had unfavorable effect on sealing performance of mechanical seals in view of face deformation. The elasticity modulus of the material of the flexible ring had a great effect on its deformation.