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1	A numerical study of the axial compressive behavior of a hyperelastic annular seal constrained in a pipe Bartel, Alix 12 September 2016 (has links) Elastomer seals are used in a variety of industries that require flow isolation. The characterization of the behavior of these seals remains largely unexplored and hence, this study is focused on simulating and validating the axial-compressive behavior of an annular rubber seal constrained concentrically in a pipe. The elastomer material composing the seal, was experimentally characterized for its mechanical, frictional, and viscoelastic properties and modelled using models developed by Yeoh, Thirion, and Prony respectively. A 2D axisymmetric finite-element model was developed using ANSYS 16 and used alongside the material models to simulate an axial load versus displacement curve, a contact pressure distribution, and a pipe hoop strain gradient. The results for quasi-static loading and viscoelastic effects agreed within 7% and 18% of the experimental results, respectively. It was observed that pipe geometry, rubber chemistry, frictional properties, and viscoelastic effects have significant effect on the compressive behavior of the seal. / October 2016 FEA Rubber Hyperelasticity Pipe Stress Sealing Pressure Rubber Friction Sealing Seal Packer Elastomer Simulation ANSYS Viscoelasticity Yeoh Prony Pipeline Contact Pressure Thirion Finite Element Analysis Pipe