Search Results

Previously, the sole purpose of cylinder head gaskets was to provide a seal. The new SensoriCS® smart cylinder head gasket with integrated temperature sensors uses the ideal location close to the combustion chamber for providing the engine control unit with accurate temperature signals from the “hot spots”. By means of these unusually dynamic signals, the coolant flow can be controlled very precisely in accordance with the engine's actual operating state. This results in improved efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions both during warm-up and during stationary working conditions. Last but not least, the temperature sensors are practically fitted automatically during installation of the head gasket.

The Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) cylinder head gasket's combustion seal feature that we commonly refer to as a stopper, is a zone of the gasket at the bore opening which is thicker than the rest of the gasket. MLS gaskets with stoppers have traditionally been constructed of either a thin folded layer (0.10-0.15mm), an embossed spacer layer, a welded shim, or combinations of multiple layers folded in complex relationships. The “Wave Stopper” design is a new method of integrating the stopper effect into an active layer (spring steel layer with mechanical embossments functioning as springs). A single layer with the wave stopper can now perform the double function of both a stopper and an active layer with one layer. The wave stopper height can be optimized to meet the rigidity requirements of each individual engine, and can even be easily contoured to provide topography if needed. We're not locked into a single constant stopper thickness all around the bore.

Accelerated testing techniques for cylinder head gaskets have become absolutely necessary because of developments at engine manufacturers including: shorter engine development times, high costs of vehicle and dynamometer testing, new material generations for engine components, and new engine generations and longer engine life This paper will describe two accelerated test methods for Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) cylinder head gaskets and will discuss the most important parameters which influence MLS cylinder head gasket functional performance. We will describe how these parameters have been duplicated in the laboratory using the accelerated tests: the Bending Simulator and the Hydraulic Pulsator. The test method results have been confirmed based on detailed metallurgical analysis of MLS gaskets; comparing field (dynamometer and vehicle) tested gaskets to those gaskets evaluated on accelerated tests.