Analysis of Elastomer Performance in Cold Climates and Off-Road Vehicles Full-Scale Tests

Research suggests that up to 30% of machine and mechanism failures and downtime are due to malfunctioning sealing devices. This article examines the performance of vehicles, including mining and off-road vehicles, in the northern and Arctic regions of the Russian Federation. It also studies the low-temperature behavior of rubber goods and elastomeric materials in various types of sealing devices. In addition to reviewing recent regulations on the investigation of low-temperature properties, the article outlines requirements for sealing elastomeric materials. For reliable performance under the severe conditions of the Far North, the development of “KhL” design sealing devices is essential. The article also details the methods for creating elastomeric materials suitable for cold climates and emphasizes the importance of full-scale testing of elastomers. It presents the results from the “Burlak” off-road vehicle test conducted during the “The North is near. Yakutsk trails” expedition on the Yakutsk-Verkhoyansk route, which were successful. Finally, it identifies sealing devices with a risk of failure, and notes that new materials for their production are currently under development.