DESIGN DATA FOR O-RINGS AND SIMILAR ELASTIC SEALS. Period Covered May 1956 to March 1957

The relationship between the physical properties of seal materials and sealing efficiency was studied so that materials may be fully utilized in seal design. The literature survey on O-rings and seal design has been continued. Commercially available polymers have been compounded with various physical properties. Static annulus (with varying groove configuration), rotating shaft, and reciprocating shaft functional test jigs have been designed and manufactured. Seal tests, under various environmental and mechanical conditions, have been run in these jigs. No definite relationship between physical properties and seal efficiency was found. A general relationship, however, was evident between seal life, and compression modulus and compression relaxation. (auth)