An equivalent axisymmetric modeling approach for circumferential springs under large deformation based on mechanical anisotropy

Abstract

In high-temperature and high-pressure environments, spring-energized seals (SES) play a crucial role in the petroleum and energy chemical industries. The circumferential springs within SES are responsible for generating sealing forces to maintain their performance. However, the intricate nonlinear behavior of these springs poses significant challenges in modeling and simulation. While several simplified models have been proposed to enhance computational efficiency, they often fall short under conditions of substantial deformation. Consequently, this paper introduces an anisotropic equivalent modeling approach, which takes into account the mechanical anisotropy of the springs. By applying the principles of using the same structural dimensions and equivalent mechanical properties, the parameters of the springs are transformed into equivalent parameters on anisotropic materials. The efficacy of this new model is validated through finite element simulations and lateral compression experiments, where its advantages over existing models in terms of predictive accuracy and computational efficiency are discussed. The results indicate that this novel model significantly improves predictive accuracy under conditions of substantial deformation, accompanied by enhancements in computational efficiency. This approach offers a promising tool for designing and predicting the performance of circumferential springs and SES.