Computer Aided Simulations in Automotive Engine Gasket Sealing

The internal combustion (IC) engine has been developed for a century. The fundamental principles and basic structure have not evolved much. However, the demand on engine performance, fuel economy and emissions is contradictorily challenging for automotive industry. Due to higher power output and operating temperature in modern engine design, concerns on long term sealing performance of the interfaces between the various components of engine are addressed throughout IC engine development process. Since improper sealing among engine components could affect engine functionality, performance, efficiency and emissions, the interactions between the gasket and the component under various operating engine conditions must achieve design goals. The gasket has to provide a leak-free sealing guarantee from the moment it is first installed, and maintain its function for the life of the engine. The use of FEA tools in sealing analysis has grown substantially over the past few decades. The investment in FEA sealing analysis would result in sealing improvements, and reduction in prototype cost during design validation stage. In this paper all aspects of IC engine sealing analysis will be discussed. The most updated methodologies in FEA sealing analysis will be presented in order to design, evaluate and optimize major gaskets in IC engine applications.