Abstract
Failure of progressive cavity pumps used in oil extraction is mainly due to damage of the elastomer subjected to time-varying load cycles and intensive processes of degradation by abrasive wear. In order to increase the lifetime of progressive cavity pumps is very important to not degrade the elastomer under the influence of operating conditions and working environment. The present paper has the main objective to study the fatigue behaviour of three type of elastomers used for progressive cavity pumps manufacture. Keywords: variable load cycles, progressive cavity pump, elastomer