Modelling Strategy and Parametric Study of Metal Gaskets for Automotive Applications

This paper is focused on finite element simulation of cylinder head gaskets. Finite element codes support several methodologies, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. One of the key points lies in the influence of the gasket geometry on its final behaviour. Such a contribution can come from the detailed modelling of the gasket or by defining a global non-linear behaviour in which material and geometry non-linearities are summarised. Two approaches were used to simulate the gasket behaviour. The first one consists in using a 2D approach, which allows to model through-thickness non-linear behaviour of gasket. The second one consists in using conventional 3D finite element modelling. The numerical methods have been discussed and compared in relation to the accordance with experimental data, amount of information supplied and computational time required. Finally, a parametric study shows how some geometric parameters influence the compressive load and the elastic recovery of a single-layer steel gasket.