Modeling O-rings

Does anyone have insight of how the best way to model and represent an
o-ring within an assembly? This particular scenerio I have is a static face
seal, but I would like the same procedure for rotary seal config. The seal
should represent the compressed state. This would also allow me to compare
the compression design values to standards.

 

After some fiddling, I figured out one way which was to sketch a
construction circle the nominal diameter of the o-ring as well as a line
representing the depth of the groove. The o-ring center corresponds to the
midpoint of the const. line. Locating the the o-ring center was just an
equation from the groove dimensions.

Maybe there is a more logical or universal technique?

 

krupnikas,

I use a revolved ellipse. The minor is the compressed height and I exaggerate the ellipse major to show the ID and OD as
being squashed.

Ken B.