Evaluation of the strength of elastomeric membranes of pressure control devices

Abstract

Deformation of a 3 mm thick rubber membrane under pressure created by working fluid is considered. The membrane is installed inside a cylinder and supported by a piston. When the piston is lowered, the membrane moves with it and the pressure of the working fluid deforms the membrane, stretching the rubber along the edges of the piston. A solution to the problem of determining the breaking stresses is presented, with special attention being paid to the area close to the membrane fastening, where the main deflection of the rubber and its inversion to the other side occur. Calculation and analysis of the results obtained of the area in the corners of the membrane along the edges of the piston, where the rubber is stretched under pressure, are performed. The problem is solved as a static one in an axisymmetric formulation without taking into account friction using the ABAQUS program. The most dangerous option is considered with zero friction between rubber and metal, and rubber is considered as a nonlinearly elastic, weakly compressible material. The results of numerical calculations on the strength criterion based on standard rubber indicators: tensile strength and elongation at break are analyzed. A conclusion is presented about the performance of the membrane according to the strength criterion.