Applying Gasket Materials to High-Stress, Dynamic Flange Environments

In high-stress, dynamic sealing applications, new generation fiber gasket materials are solving problems where older style gaskets and various rubber/metal composite gaskets have failed. These applications include flywheel housing-to-block gaskets, gearcase-to-block gaskets, axle covers, cast aluminum oil pan gaskets, rear seal carrier gaskets, heavy duty valve cover gaskets, etc. What these applications have in common is a high degree of torsional or shear stress on the gasket which can lead to failure. Often, shear stress is a result of the heating and cooling of a joint which is made up of two different metals with dissimilar thermal expansion rates. Other applications carry torsional and shear loads due to their mounting and/or function in the vehicle. These applications require that the gasket be able to move with the flanges, maintain flexibility, strength, and bolt tightness, and continue sealing through the service life of the application. This paper describes the material properties and calculations used to apply new generation gasket materials to these joints, and the tests that are used to validate their performance.