Page 100 - 《橡塑技术与装备》英文版2026年2期

HINA R&P TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT

Theoretical modeling and finite element analysis of the contact width of
O-ring rubber seals

Liu Peng, Yin Chuan, Huang Long, Zhang Peng, Lin Lijun

(College of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China)
Abstract: As a crucial downhole flow control tool, the O-ring contact width of the downhole intelligent
sliding sleeve is a key parameter for assessing the sealing performance of the tool. This paper establishes a
contact width prediction model for the O-ring seal in petroleum downhole applications. Based on the Hertz
contact theory, the Mooney-Rivlin hyperelastic theory is introduced to characterize the nonlinear mechanical
properties of rubber materials, and the expression for contact width is derived. The ANSYS finite element
analysis results show that the average error of the established contact width prediction model is 5.9%, with
a minimum error of only 1.6% and a maximum error of 10.9%. This provides theoretical support and data
reference for the structural design, performance optimization, and engineering application of O-ring rubber
seals in petroleum downhole applications.
Key words: smart sliding sleeve; O-ring; contact width; super-elasticity; finite element simulation
Classification number: TQ336.42 Article number: 1009-797X(2026)02-0056-07
Document code: B DOI:10.13520/j.cnki.rpte.2026.02.014

As the core tool for regulating underground fluid their long-term experience and understanding in hydraulic and
movement, the sealing reliability of the intelligent sliding lubrication equipment management. Rao Jianhua conducted
sleeve directly determines the safety of the entire equipment. a finite element analysis on the stress and contact pressure
In the sealing structure of the sliding sleeve, the sealing ring of O-shaped rubber seals and retaining rings under different
plays a crucial role in blocking leakage and maintaining pressures, analyzing the relationship between the contact
pressure difference. The O-ring rubber seal, with its advantages pressure and contact width of O-shaped rubber seals. Xia
of simple structure, convenient assembly and disassembly, Zhi et al. explored the sealing performance of O-rings under
and reliable sealing performance, possesses excellent sealing different compression rates based on fluid-structure coupling
adaptability and assembly/disassembly convenience. It is an simulation analysis. Liu Peng et al. studied the sealing
important foundation for ensuring the long-term stable and performance of O-rings under different hardnesses and working
reliable operation of the sliding sleeve under high pressure conditions, discussing the influence of material hardness,
difference conditions. The contact width of the O-ring directly radial compression rate, and external pressure on the sealing
affects the sealing performance and service life. If the contact contact pressure of O-rings. Wang Zhixiang et al. utilized
width is too large, it will lead to a sharp increase in friction, the automatic shrink fit method in finite element software
accelerating the wear of the sealing ring; if the contact width to simulate the radial assembly process of composite seals,
is insufficient, it will be difficult to establish effective sealing, analyzing the impact of different parameters on rubber seals.
which can easily lead to underground leakage or even safety
accidents. Biography: Liu Peng (2001-), male, is a graduate student majoring
Currently, Zheng Wenming et al. have elaborated on in Mechanical Engineering, with his main research interests lying in the
development and application of downhole intelligent tools and intelligent
the design criteria for the contact width of O-rings based on instruments.

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