MLS Influence on Engine Structure and Sealing Function

MLS (Multi-layer steel) CHG ( Cylinder Head gasket) designs play a major role in today's sealing approach for internal combustion engine. However, as a member between cylinder block and cylinder head, it not only has a sealing function, but also influences the hardware structure. The knowledge of their interaction is critical to fulfill all necessary requirements.

This paper discusses different MLS CHG designs and how they influence the hardware's structure while maintaining the seal of the assembly. Therefore, we investigate major parameters like sealing stress, sealing gap lift-off, bore distortion and etc. A comparison is made between different designs, using experimental data as well as finite element analysis. Because of the vast number of designs and their interactions between the hardware and gasket, the focus is on basic trends of their influences. To obtain useful information in a short period of time, theoretical up-front simulation and experimental testing is going hand-in-hand during design development.