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Computational Investigation of Aerodynamic Behaviour in Rubber O-Ring: Effects of Flow Velocity and Surface Topology.

Singleton, T., Saeed, A. and Khan, Z. A., 2025. Computational Investigation of Aerodynamic Behaviour in Rubber O-Ring: Effects of Flow Velocity and Surface Topology. Applied Sciences, 15 (9), 5006.

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DOI: 10.3390/app15095006

Abstract

This report uses computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) to investigate the aerodynamics of a rubber O-ring, with a focus on assessing the influence of fluid velocity and surface topology whilst providing a detailed methodology that promotes correct procedures. A steady state scenario was set up, modelling laminar airflow across two O-rings with 5 μm and 100 μm surface finishes, respectively. Analysis showed that increasing the fluid velocity from 0.01 m/s to 2 m/s significantly translates the separation points downstream, consolidating wake regions behind the airfoil. The CFD simulations also infer that as the fluid velocity increases, the frictional drag coefficients decrease from 3.13 to 0.11, and the pressure drag coefficients increase from 0.55 to 0.6, implying that the recirculation of flowlines behind the O-ring becomes the most hindering factor on aerodynamics. Conversely, variations in surface roughness showed negligible effects on the flow field. This insensitivity is attributed to the low Reynolds number (Re) used in all simulations, where a roughness of 5 μm or 100 μm remains well within the laminar sublayer, therefore minimising their impact on boundary layer disruption and flow separation.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:2076-3417
Uncontrolled Keywords:computational fluid dynamics; airflow; O-ring; velocity; surface roughness; Reynolds number; wake region
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:41054
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:20 May 2025 12:50
Last Modified:20 May 2025 12:50

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