Abstract
The choice of a proper material is probably the most critical factor in the design of seals able to withstand extremely high pressure, and knowledge of material mechanical properties is essential for the finite-element model (FEM) simulations needed to understand and optimize seal behavior. The aim of this work is the mechanical characterization of polymeric materials for ultrahigh-pressure sealing applications (600 MPa). After a short presentation of seal design and materials commonly used, the testing of four thermoplastic materials is described: PA6, H-TPU and UHMWPE reinforced with glass or ceramic microspheres to enhance wear resistance. Uniaxial tension and compression, shear and planar tension test were performed as well as a stress relaxation test to gain information about viscoelastic effects. Experimental data are then discussed and elasto-plastic and hyperelastic constitutive models for polymeric materials reviewed, focusing on the application of these models at high pressure. The Young's modulus and yield strength are very sensitive to hydrostatic pressure for polymeric materials and a proposal for the implementation in the FEM of this effect is illustrated.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Muller, H.K. andNau, B.S., Fluid Sealing Technology, Marcel Dekker, New York, 117–127 (1998).
Stein, H.L., “Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE),”Guide to Engineering Plastics Families: Thermoplastic Resins, Vol. 2.Engineered Materials Handbook, ASM International, Materials Park, OH, 167–171 ( (1999).
Dowling, N., Mechanical Behavior of Materials: Engineering Methods for Deformation, Fracture, and Fatigue, Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 150–151 (1999).
Eichmiller, F.C., Tesk, J., and Croarkin, C.M., “Mechanical Properties of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene NIST Reference Material 8456,” http://polymers.msel.nist.gov (2004).
Kurtz, S.M., et al., “Thermomechanical Behavior of Virgin and Highly Crosslinked Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Used in Total Joint Replacements,”Biomaterials,23,3681–3697 (2002).
ABAQUS/Standard 6.3 User's Manual, “Hyperelastic Behavior—Experimental Tests,” Vol. II, 10.5.1-13
Meyer, R.W. andPruitt, L.A., “The Effect of Cyclic True Strain on the Morphology, Structure and Relaxation Behavior of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene,”Polymer,42,5293–5306 (2001).
Bergstrom, J.S. andBoyce, M.C., “Constitutive Modeling of the Time-dependent and Cyclic Loading of Elastomers and Application to Soft Biological Tissue,”Mechanics of Materials,33,523–530 (2001).
Stakenborg, M.J.L., “On the Sealing and Lubrication Mechanism of Radial Lip Seals,” Ph.D. Thesis,Technische Universeit Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Chapter 8 (1998).
Christensen, R.M., Theory of Viscoelasticity—An Introduction, Academic Press, New York (1982).
ABAQUS/Standard 6.3 User's Manual, “Time Domain Viscoelasticity,” Vol. II, 10.6.1-1.
Rivlin, R.S., “Large Elastic Deformation of Isotropic Materials IV. Further Developments of the General Theory,”Philosophical Transactions A,241,379–397 (1948).
Maszewski, A., Meyer, M., and Wanders, M., “Poisson's Ratio of Bayer Thermoplastics,” Bayer Application Technology Information bulletin, ATI 1149 d,e, https://plastics.bayer.de/pdf/A1149DE.PDF (2004).
Bergstrom, J.S., Kurtz, S.M., Rimnac, C.M., andEdidin, A.A., “Constitutive Modeling of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Under Large Deformation and Cyclic Loading Conditions,”Biomaterials,23,2329–2343 (2002).
Bergstrom, J.S., Rimnac, C.M., andKurtz, S.M., “An Augmented Hybrid Constitutive Model for Simulation of Unloading and Cyclic Loading Behavior of Conventional and Highly Crosslinked UHMWPE,”Biomaterials,25,2171–2178 (2004).
Kurtz, S.M., et al., “The Yielding, Plastic Flow and Fracture Behavior of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Used in Total Joint Replacements, Biomaterials,19,1989–2003 (1998).
Galik, K., “The Effect of Design Variations on Stresses in Total Ankle Arthroplasty,” Ph.D. Thesis,University of Pittsburgh, PA, 49 (2002).
Bergstrom, J.S., Rimnac, C.M., andKurtz, S.M., “Prediction of Multiaxial Mechanical Behavior for Conventional and Highly Crosslinked UHMWPE Using a Hybrid Constitutive Model,”Biomaterials,24,1365–1380 (2003).
Pae, K.D. andBhateja, S.K., “The Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure on the Mechanical Behavior of Polymers,”Journal of Macromolecular Science: Review of Macromolecular Chemistry, C13(1),1–75 (1975).
Mears, D.R., Pae, K.D., andSauer, J.A., “Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure on Mechanical Behavior of Polyethylene and Polypropylene,”Journal of Applied Physics,40,4229–4235 (1969).
ABAQUS/Standard User's Manual, “Mohr-Coulomb Plasticity,” Vol. II, 11.3.3-1.
Dowling, N., Mechanical Behavior of Materials: Engineering Methods for Deformation, Fracture, and Fatigue, Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 255–257 (1999).
Mark, J.E., editor, Polymer Data Handbook, Oxford University Press, New York, 200 (1999).
Pae, K.D. andMears, D.R., “The Effect of High Pressure on Mechanical Behavior and Properties of Polytetrafluoroethlene and Polythylene,”Polymer Letters,6,269–273 (1968).
Bhateja, S.K. andPae, K.D., “Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure on the Mechanical Behavior of Polyimide,”Polymer Letters,10,531–535 (1972).
Pae, K.D., Mears, D.R., andSauer, J.A., “Stress-strain Behavior of Polypropylene Under High Pressure, Polymer Letters,6,773–778 (1968).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Avanzini, A. Mechanical characterization and modeling of polymeric materials for high-pressure sealing. Experimental Mechanics 45, 53–64 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02428990
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02428990