抄録
The sealing performance of flange connection was examined using Helium (He) gas leak detector in relation to the axial bolt force, F, and gasket characteristics. Three dimensional finite element method (FEM) was employed to obtain the stress distribution on the gaskets and the deformation behavior of the flange connection, where the former was confirmed by the pressure detection film. For the FEM analysis, compressive stress and strain responses of three types of gasket were measured by impression test using flat round shape indenter with the diameter of 15mm. The gasket stress distribution was developed by flange rotation enhanced by the increase in the axial bolt force, which resulted in the higher stress on the outer portion of gaskets. The He-gas leak tests of flange connections were performed under constant F as well as distributed F conditions. Maximum gasket stress on the radial direction and the maximum gasket compression displacement were correlated with the leakage from gasket surface and penetration, respectively.
