Elastic Leak for a Better Seal

Elastomeric seals are widely used to block fluids of high pressure. When multiple seals are installed in series and the spaces between the seals contain compressible fluids (e.g., gas or gas–liquid mixture), the seals often damage sequentially, one after another. Here, we demonstrate that the serial seals achieve high sealing capacity if individual seals undergo elastic leak, without material damage. When individual seals leak elastically, fluid fills the spaces between the seals. Instead of damage one after another, all the seals share the load. The elastic leak of individual seals greatly amplifies collective sealing capacity of serial seals. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4030660]