Sealing reliability modeling of aviation seal based on interval uncertainty method and multidimensional response surface

Many variables affect the sealing performance, and their distribution characteristics are difficult to obtain with probabilistic methods owing to the high cost involved. Numerous problems in engineering are similar due to the appearance of small-sample parameters. In this study, the sealing reliability of an aviation seal was defined as the research object, and an interval uncertainty method and multidimensional response surface were proposed to calculate the sealing reliability. Based on this, we first analyzed the failure mechanism of the aviation seal and established a leakage rate model. Then, based on the non-probabilistic interval model, an interval uncertainty method was proposed to construct the analytical model. With reference to the limit state equation from the structural reliability theory, the multidimensional response surface was used for fast calculation. Then, we chose the single-cylinder gas steering gear used in aircraft as the case study, its sealing reliability in working and non-working statuses were calculated, and the results were verified with the actual maintenance records. By analyzing the sensitivity of some variables, we can improve the sealing reliability of the aviation seal by improving the surface roughness only if the cost allows. Finally, we consider that the method proposed in this study realizes the application of small-sample uncertainty analysis in reliability analysis, and could provide a feasible way to solve the similar problems in engineering with multidimensional and small-sample parameters.