MaterialEASE - Elastomeric Seals 101 - A Brief Tutorial

AMPTIAC26MaterialChristian E. Grethlein, P.E.EASEBenjamin D. CraigRichard A. LaneAMPTIACRome, New YorkELASTOMERIC SEALS 101 – A BRIEF TUTORIALThis underrated group of materials is far more important than you might thinkIn material circles, it doesn’t take much prodding to get a vigorous discussion going about high-performance materials, or oneof the many emerging material technologies. However, bring up the subject of ‘rubber’, and it tends to produce more eye-rollingthan genuine interest. Elastomers (as they’re more properly known) are one of the most critical non-structural material in vehicles, systems, and some structures, yet are also one of the least considered during design. Unfortunately, such oversights can have catastrophic or even fatal consequences when elastomeric seals fail in service; bringing unwanted levels of attention to previously ignored problems. This issue of MaterialEASE provides an overview of elastomer basics, and willgive the reader a better appreciation of the importance of these materials. For readers who would like to learn more about elastomers, AMPTIAC has published a State of the Art Report, Elastomeric Materials for Static and Dynamic Seal Applications(AMPT-30), which is available for sale by phone or through our website, http://amptiac.alionscience.com. - EditorTHE BASICS deformability; upwards of 400 to 600%, as opposed to 2-5% for otherElastomers vs. Rubbers polymers. Polymers (and elastomers) may either be ...