Liu, QihanWang, ZhengjinLou, YucunSuo, Zhigang2015-02-042014Liu, Qihan, Zhengjin Wang, Yucun Lou, and Zhigang Suo. 2014. “Elastic Leak of a Seal.” Extreme Mechanics Letters (November). doi:10.1016/j.eml.2014.10.001.2352-4316http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:13943566An elastomeric seal may leak by elastic deformation without any material damage. We describe elastic leak using a theoretical model, and watch a seal deform and leak using a transparent experimental setup. The elastomer seals the fluid by forming contact with surrounding hard materials. As the fluid pressure increases, the contact stress also increases but not as much. When the fluid pressure surpasses the contact stress, the elastomer and t he hard materials lose contact in some region, forming a leaking path. The critical fluid pressure for elastic leak depends on the geometry and constraint of the seal, but is insensitive to the rate at which the fluid is injected. Our study points to the significance of elastic deformation in modes of failure that also involve material damage.en-USsealsleakelastomersJournal Article2015-01-25Qihan Liu, Zhengjin Wang, Yucun Lou, Zhigang Suo2015-02-0410.1016/j.eml.2014.10.001