Static Testing Methods for Evaluating Head Gasket Performance

Through the experimental work conducted on dynamic test engines with strain gauge tools, transducers and thermocouples it has been found that static test methods can be developed which closely simulates the behaviour of cylinder head gaskets on a dynamic test engine.

To make full use of this information for static work it is necessary to obtain the data on components that affect the sealing performance of the gasket. The true bolt loadings, clamping loads and the head and block materials all make their contribution on the type of gasket construction and its design configuration.

The paper describes the information required and also some of the rigs that have been designed to obtain information on gasket materials and compositions for static test evaluation.