Numerical analysis on temperature-dependent sealing performance of various rubber materials in a vacuum suction pad for automated mooring systems

• Comprehensive evaluation of rubber materials (NR, CR, and NR/CR blend) is conducted through integrated experimental testings and FEM simulations at a diverse temperature range. • Temperature-dependent mechanical behaviors of the different rubber materials are correlated with the sealing performances of a vacuum suction pad for an automated mooring system. • Material selection guidelines are provided for the improved suction performance in temperature variations of harsh marine environment. Automated mooring systems are changing the port landscape and allowing innovative marine systems to be realized by improving the efficiency and safety of ship mooring. In the automated mooring systems, a vacuum suction pad determines the performance of ship mooring, and its rubber seal plays a pivotal role, especially in marine environments where safety and operational efficiency are paramount. The seal should be able to maintain its suction performance against complex operating conditions, including significant deformations, fluctuating loads, and harsh environmental conditions. This work evaluates the sealing performance of natural rubber (NR), chloroprene rubber (CR), and their blend (NR:CR=6:4) at −20 °C, 23 °C, and 60 °C. Temperature-dependent hyperelastic material parameters were derived from uniaxial tensile tests and incorporated into finite element models. The finite element method (FEM) simulations evaluated the sealing performance of the three different rubber materials against loadings by sway and surge movements. Experimental and simulation results demonstrate key factors, including temperature-dependent stress–strain behavior, load resistance, and contact properties, demonstrating how different rubber materials perform at various temperatures. These findings provide critical insights for designing rubber seals suitable to meet specific operational demands, ensuring durability and reliability in harsh marine conditions.