The determination of the degree of compression applied to an elastomeric sealing element, typically circular in cross-section, is a critical aspect of sealing system design. This assessment involves quantifying the dimensional reduction experienced by the seal when installed within its intended housing. For example, if a seal with a nominal cross-sectional diameter of 2.0 mm is installed in a groove that reduces this dimension to 1.5 mm, the compression is calculated as 25% of the original diameter.
Proper compression ensures adequate contact stress between the seal and the mating surfaces, preventing leakage of fluids or gases. Too little compression may result in inadequate sealing performance, while excessive compression can lead to premature seal failure due to increased friction, wear, or permanent deformation. Historically, empirical data and rules of thumb guided the selection of appropriate compression values; however, modern engineering practices utilize analytical methods and finite element analysis to optimize sealing performance and predict long-term reliability.
